Ravichandran Ashwin returns to Chennai Super Kings (CSK)! What does this reunion mean for both CSK and Ashwin? Is this a match made in heaven?
Life has come full circle for Ravichandran Ashwin. After playing a big role in Chennai Super Kings‘ first two IPL titles in 2010 and 2011, Ashwin is back in the yellow brigade for the 2025 season after a decade of leaving the franchise. In those years, he played for four franchisees, but could not go on to be part of a winning team. CSK, as they have done in the past, banked on experience and brought back Ashwin for Rs 9.75 crore for the 2025 season. CSK have some big plans for Ashwin not just as a player, but also probably in future roles in the support staff once the off-spinner hangs up his boots.
Ashwin pairs up with Jadeja again
Currently, CSK have roped in Ashwin to pair up with his old bowling partner Ravindra Jadeja. The duo scripted many memorable Test series triumphs, but could not repeat the same magic when they played for CSK from 2012 to 2015. Now, the time has come for the spinning duo to make amends. This is also probably the last time we will see Jadeja-Ashwin playing with Dhoni who mentored and supported the two all-rounders in the beginning of their careers.
What role Ashwin will have now in the 2025 season?
In the 2010 and 2011 winning seasons, Ashwin was the leading strike bowler for CSK. In the final of 2011 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Ashwin took three wickets for 16 runs and the prize wicket of Chris Gayle for a 3-ball duck to help CSK defend the title.
This time around, Ashwin will be playing the senior statesman in the team and along with Jadeja will look to hunt in pairs like they have done in the past. Ashwin will also be mentoring young spinners such as Noor Ahmad who would do well to learn from the vast experience of his senior partner.
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Where will Ashwin be bowling this season?
Going by the first match between Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians in IPL 2025, Ashwin will get an over or two in the powerplay as the off-spinner has the knack of picking up wickets upfront with his clever variations. Then, he will combine with Jadeja and Noor to choke the opposition in the middle overs. If needed, Ashwin can be asked to bowl in the death overs as well, as he will be difficult to score off with his tight line and length deliveries.
Ravichandran Ashwin has not lost an inch of his competitive zeal and would leave no stone unturned to make this season count. He may not bag wickets in dozens, but his experience and bowling in pressure situations would come in handy to give CSK the advantage. The quality spin of Jadeja and Noor as his partners would see the spinning trio make life miserable for batters, especially in Chennai where Ashwin has played all his life.
Ashwin’s CSK performance beats all his works with other teams
Ashwin played for CSK under Dhoni in his first seven IPL seasons. His performance with CSK under Dhoni is far better than with the four other franchisees he played for. It can be rightly said that Ashwin’s game prospered under Dhoni who guided the bowler behind the stumps.
Ashwin’s performance with CSK and other teams in IPL
| Team | Matches | Wickets |
| CSK | 98 | 91 |
| Other Teams | 115 | 90 |
| Total | 213 | 181 |
Also, in the first seven seasons Ashwin played for CSK, he bagged 14 or more wickets in a season four times. But in the eight seasons, he played with other teams, he bagged 14 wickets or more in a season just twice. It goes on to show how playing for CSK, especially under Dhoni brought out the best in Ashwin.
Read More: IPL 2025, CSK vs MI, Talking Point: Chennai spinners take 5-70, choke Mumbai batters in middle overs
Dhoni identifies Ashwin’s talent
It’s thus fair to say that Dhoni can be credited for bringing Ashwin’s talent to the fore as soon after the 2010 IPL win, Ashwin made his international debut. Ashwin bagged 13 wickets in that season. Ex-India cricketer Krish Srikkanth hailed Dhoni stating “The man who identified Ashwin is Dhoni. Ashwin has evolved from T20 to ODIs to Test in an amazing manner.”
On many occasions, Ashwin has credited Dhoni’s advice behind the stumps for taking up wickets. His ‘stop and start’ technique was advised by Dhoni himself. In the 2013 Champions Trophy final, it was Dhoni’s suggestion to Ashwin to bowl around the wicket to Jonathon Trott to get the Englishman’s wicket.
What’s next for ageing Ashwin
Ashwin is at the fag end of his career, where he might even hang up his boots from all forms of cricket in a year or two. But that didn’t deter CSK from bidding on the ageing warhorse. CSK have the knack of punting on veterans, throwing challenges at them, bringing out the best in them and making them match-winners.
Stephen Fleming, coach of CSK, said it’s a tactical move to bring Ashwin in. “He has still got a very good skillset; his numbers are fantastic… the experience he brings, he’s handy with the bat, and we think we can use him in several ways,” he said.
However, Ashwin, has a different take on his return to CSK, stating, “My comeback to CSK is not as the person who has achieved all those things, but as a person who has gone through the entire circle, and wants to come back and enjoy the same moment, I experienced all those years ago.”
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