IPL 2026 [WATCH]: Ravindra Jadeja’s hilarious banter after Yashasvi Jaiswal smacks him for a six during RR’s practice session

The pink city is buzzing with a renewed sense of hope as the Rajasthan Royals (RR) officially commenced their pre-season camp for the IPL 2026. After a disappointing 2025 campaign that saw the inaugural champions languishing at the bottom of the table on 9th, the vibes in the dugout have shifted from somber to high-octane. This shift was perfectly captured in a viral moment involving the franchise’s newest veteran recruit, Ravindra Jadeja, and their homegrown batting powerhouse, Yashasvi Jaiswal.

Ravindra Jadeja’s epic banter after Yashasvi Jaiswal’s big shot in practice

During the Royals’ first open net session, Jaiswal didn’t bother with a sighter. Facing Jadeja’s pinpoint left-arm spin on the very first delivery, the young opener danced down the track and launched a towering maximum that cleared the practice facility’s ropes. The sheer audacity of the shot left the seasoned Jadeja in splits, leading to a hilarious exchange that has since set social media ablaze.

The banter between the veteran and the prodigy offered a glimpse into the camaraderie RR is trying to build following a massive squad overhaul. After watching the ball disappear, a grinning Jadeja turned to the coaching staff and quipped in Hindi: “Abhi keh raha hai neend nahi hui raatko. Room mei practice karke aaya hai yeh.” (He was just saying he hadn’t slept well at night. But clearly, he’s been practicing in his room.)

This light-hearted moment masks a very serious intent. Jaiswal, who was one of the few bright spots in 2025 with 559 runs, looks sharper than ever. For Jadeja, the transition to the Royals’ camp is a significant narrative of the 2026 season. After the blockbuster trade that saw long-time skipper Sanju Samson head to Chennai Super Kings, Jadeja’s role as a mentor and finisher is pivotal. While the team will be missing Sam Curran to a season-ending injury, the instant chemistry between Jadeja and the core Indian group suggests that the leadership vacuum is being filled effectively.

Here’s the video:

Rajasthan Royals’ tactical shift for IPL 2026

The Rajasthan Royals aren’t just relying on viral moments; their strategy for 2026 focuses on closing the gap. In 2025, the team lost five matches by margins of less than 10 runs or in the final over. By bringing in Jadeja’s experience and the craftiness of Ravi Bishnoi, the management is looking to provide their batting heavyweights with a more disciplined bowling cushion.

However, the X-factor remains the youth. While Jaiswal provides the stability, all eyes are on the 14-year-old phenom Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. Entering his sophomore season, Sooryavanshi is no longer a hidden gem but a marked man. After smashing a 35-ball century last year—the fastest by an Indian in IPL history, his partnership with Jaiswal at the top of the order is arguably the most explosive opening pair in the tournament.

If the practice sessions are any indication, the Royals are playing with a nothing to lose freedom. With Jaiswal hitting sixes in his sleep (literally, according to Jadeja) and a revamped bowling attack, Rajasthan might just be the dark horse to watch when the 2026 season officially kicks off.