Rajasthan Royals’ bid to reach the IPL 2026 final ended in heartbreak on May 29 in New Chandigarh, where Gujarat Titans sealed a convincing seven-wicket win in Qualifier 2. But even after the defeat, one tactical decision by RR has continued to draw attention, with former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar openly questioning the franchise’s handling of Ravindra Jadeja’s injury during the knockout clash. The issue began when Rajasthan promoted Jadeja to No. 4 to add experience and stability after an early batting wobble.

The move initially worked well. Jadeja looked fluent and composed, and he appeared set for a valuable innings before being struck on the arm by Gujarat Titans pacer Jason Holder in the eighth over. The blow appeared painful, especially since Jadeja had already been managing a tennis elbow issue. After receiving treatment on the field, Jadeja retired hurt and walked off with 34 runs off just 19 balls, giving Rajasthan Royals a much-needed boost at a crucial stage of the innings.

However, in a surprising turn, he returned later in the innings after Jofra Archer’s dismissal, despite his left elbow being heavily strapped. Jadeja showed remarkable determination by continuing through the discomfort and eventually finished unbeaten on 45 off 35 balls. His late contribution helped RR post a strong total of 214/8, alongside a stunning 96 from teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who once again impressed with his fearless batting.

WATCH – Mitchell McClenaghan Settles IPL Debate, Picks Ultimate Left-Arm Quick

Even with that total on the board, the Gujarat Titans chased down the target with ease, riding on a century from captain Shubman Gill to book their place in the final and end the Rajasthan Royals’ campaign.

After the match, Manjrekar took aim at RR’s tactical calls, especially the decision to send Jadeja back in after he had already retired hurt. He also questioned the batting order later in the innings, where Jofra Archer was sent ahead of Donovan Ferreira.

That move also came under scrutiny because Ferreira produced a brilliant counterattack. Batting at No. 8, the South African smashed an unbeaten 38 off just 11 balls, including four sixes in the final over, giving RR a late surge that suggested they may have left runs on the table earlier.

WATCH – Shubman Gill Shares Emotional Moment With Parents After GT’s Final Qualification

Sanjay Manjrekar posted on X: “Still can’t get over the poor call by RR to put Jadeja back in after he had retired hurt & then have Jofra Archer come before Donovan Ferreira.” His reaction has now added another layer to Rajasthan Royals’ painful exit from IPL 2026.

Still can’t get over the poor call by RR to put Jadeja back in after he had retired hurt & then have Joffra Archer come before Donovan Ferreira.

— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) May 30, 2026