One of the significant developments in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction was Chennai Super Kings (CSK), the five-time champions, bringing back Ravichandran Ashwin, one of their original star players and a spinner. At 37 years old, Ashwin is returning to the franchise for the first time in ten years, having last represented them in 2015. With IPL 2025 starting in less than a month, Ashwin is already training with CSK, participating in their pre-season camps, and has shared his emotions about his return.
‘It feels very odd actually, it has been so many years since I left, right?’ Ashwin commented in Tamil, as shared by CSK on their X account.
‘Coming back to the same team, with all the same familiar faces around… Every day, I used to practice hard for the season. Arriving here today, I felt like a senior figure, which is alright. Overall, it’s a positive feeling, and I’m excited to play at Chepauk again,’ Ashwin added.
The experienced player was re-acquired for a substantial sum of Rs 9.75 crore, making him CSK’s second most expensive purchase in the IPL 2025 mega auction. Only Afghanistan’s spinner Noor Ahmad, bought for Rs 10 crore, cost more.
Ashwin’s journey with CSK began in the inaugural season in 2008, but he rose to prominence from the 2010 season onwards.
During his time with CSK, Ashwin played in five IPL finals, securing victories twice (in 2010 and 2011).
CSK, with Ashwin back in the fold, are eager to regain their winning form after narrowly missing out on the playoffs in 2024. The team will be captained by Ruturaj Gaikwad and still includes iconic players like MS Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja.
After announcing his retirement from international cricket following the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024/25, Ashwin emphasized his continued commitment to domestic and franchise cricket.
