Former Indian spinner R Ashwin admitted that he felt ‘odd’ upon returning to the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for the 2025 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Ashwin, who made his IPL debut for CSK in 2009, played seven seasons with the five-time champions until 2015 before moving to other franchises. Over the years, he played for multiple teams, including the now-defunct Lucknow Supergiants in 2016 and 2017, Punjab Kings (PBKS) in 2018 and 2019, Delhi Capitals (DC) for two seasons, and most recently, Rajasthan Royals (RR) from 2022 to 2024. Now, after nearly a decade, the experienced off-spinner has returned to the franchise where his IPL journey began.
In the mega auction held in November, CSK secured Ashwin’s services for a hefty sum of ₹9.75 crore after an intense bidding war with Lucknow Supergiants, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), and Rajasthan Royals. His return to CSK has excited fans, and Ashwin himself expressed a mix of emotions about rejoining the team.
“It feels odd, actually. It has been so many years since I left, right? I am coming back into this same team. All the people are the same. Every day, I used to practice vigorously for the season. After I came here today, I feel I am a very senior person. But OK. Nevertheless, it’s a good feeling. I am looking forward to going to Chepauk as well,” Ashwin said in a video shared on CSK’s social media handles.
Ashwin was a key player for CSK in his previous stint, having played 97 matches in the IPL for the franchise, during which he took 90 wickets at an impressive economy rate of 6.46. He was also instrumental in CSK’s success in the now-defunct Champions League T20, picking up 30 wickets in 24 matches at an economy rate of 7.44. His ability to bowl in the powerplay and middle overs made him one of MS Dhoni’s most reliable weapons during CSK’s dominant years in the early 2010s.
Ashwin recently announced his retirement from international cricket after India’s defeat in the Boxing Day Test against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. His decision to step away from international duties allows him to focus entirely on franchise cricket, where he remains one of the most sought-after spinners in the game.
With his vast experience and tactical acumen, Ashwin’s return adds depth to CSK’s already strong spin attack, which has traditionally thrived at the spin-friendly Chepauk surface. CSK’s bowling lineup, which includes other prominent spinners like Ravindra Jadeja and Mahesh Theekshana, will greatly benefit from Ashwin’s wealth of knowledge and ability to adapt to various match situations.
For CSK fans, Ashwin’s return is a moment of nostalgia, as he was an integral part of the team’s dominance in the early years of the IPL. He played a crucial role in CSK’s title-winning campaigns in 2010 and 2011, delivering match-winning performances in key encounters. His iconic battles against some of the world’s best batters, including dismissing Chris Gayle in the IPL final, are still etched in fans’ memories.
Under the leadership of MS Dhoni, CSK has always been known for its strategic approach to team selection, and bringing back Ashwin aligns with their philosophy of banking on experience and match-winning pedigree. With Dhoni potentially playing his final IPL season, Ashwin’s presence in the squad could also provide valuable leadership support, particularly in guiding young spinners.
CSK will begin their IPL 2025 campaign with a high-voltage clash against Mumbai Indians (MI) on Sunday, March 23, at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. This match will mark a significant moment for Ashwin, as he will once again don the iconic yellow jersey at his home ground, in front of a passionate Chennai crowd that has long admired his contributions to the team. The excitement around the match is immense, as fans eagerly anticipate seeing Ashwin back in action for the Super Kings, looking to recreate the magic of his earlier years.
As the IPL 2025 season unfolds, all eyes will be on Ashwin to see how he fits back into the CSK setup. Will he continue to be the game-changer that he was in the past? Can he help CSK lift another IPL trophy? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain—the veteran off-spinner’s return to CSK has already added an extra layer of anticipation to the upcoming season.
