Chris Gayle feared Ravichandran Ashwin, sensationally claims Kris Srikkanth

Legendary West Indian hard-hitter Chris Gayle was a nightmare for bowlers across the world with his explosive batting style. However, Ravichandran Ashwin has been one of the few bowlers to keep Chris Gayle in check during the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Former India captain Kris Srikkanth believes that when Ravichandran Ashwin was in action, it was Gayle who felt the heat rather than the Indian off-spinner, who will be once again seen in action for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the upcoming IPL 2025, starting on March 22.

Kris Srikkanth praises Ravichandran Ashwin for dominating Chris Gayle in the IPL

Ravichandran Ashwin has consistently troubled the West Indian power-hitter in the IPL. The off-spinner has dismissed Gayle five times in the tournament, restricting him to just 53 runs off 64 balls. Despite being known for his massive sixes, Gayle has managed to clear the ropes only three times against Ashwin over eight years and scored runs at a low strike rate of 82.8.

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Gayle is usually fearless against any bowler, but Ashwin’s control and variations have often put him on the back foot. Recently, during a book launch event in Chennai, Srikkanth hailed the former Indian all-rounder for his ability to put one of the biggest hitters of the game under pressure.

Kris Srikkanth was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times, “Chris Gayle could hit anyone for sixes and fours, but all it took for Ashwin to dismiss him was four balls. When Ashwin got the ball in his hand, Gayle's legs started shaking.”

Srikkanth praises MS Dhoni for identifying Ravichandran Ashwin's talents

Srikkanth also lauded the former India and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper MS Dhoni for recognizing Ravichandran Ashwin’s potential early on and shaping him into a top-class bowler across all formats. From his early days in Tamil Nadu cricket to becoming one of India's most successful spinners with over 500 Test wickets, Ashwin’s journey has been remarkable.

He added, “The man who identified him as a great T20 bowler was Dhoni. Ashwin has evolved from T20 to ODIs to Tests in an amazing manner. He is not only a good bowler but also a great batter.”

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The former Indian chief selector also welcomed Ashwin back to Chennai Super Kings (CSK) ahead of the upcoming IPL 2025, calling him the “prodigal son” returning home. He will sport the yellow jersey once again after being bought for INR 9.75 crore in the IPL 2025 mega auction.

Kasi Viswanathan recalls Ashwin's first season with CSK

On the other hand, CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan said, “When we first met Ashwin, he was playing Ranji for Tamil Nadu in the early 2000s (he made his first-class debut in 2006). I was involved in TNCA administration back then. We formed a great bond of friendship during the 2009 IPL in South Africa.”

Notably, Chennai Super Kings will begin their season against their biggest rivals, the Mumbai Indians, at Chepauk Stadium on March 23. Both teams are jointly the most successful teams of the tournament with five titles each to their names.