IPL Auction 2025: Chennai Super Kings make an extravagant move for Ravichandran Ashwin
Published - 02 Nov 2024, 11:08 AM | Updated - 02 Nov 2024, 11:35 PM
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In a huge development, ace offspinner Ravichandran Ashwin could be back for Chennai Super Kings from the next season of Indian Premier League. Ashwin made his name when he started playing for CSK in his debut IPL season in 2009.
At one time, the veteran cricketer was the lead spinner in the team but was surprisingly released by the franchise after IPL 2015. He went on to play for four more IPL teams since then, Rising Pune Supergiants, Kings XI Punjab, Delhi Capitals, and Rajasthan Royals.
But Ravichandran Ashwin could be back for Chennai Super Kings again. Ashwin played for Rajasthan Royals till the last season but the franchise did not include him in the retained list of players. This means that he will be available at the auction pool and CSK have a chance to bring him back.
Also read: IPL Auction 2025: Suryakumar Yadav demands Mumbai Indians' captaincy; Hardik Pandya in limbo
Ravichandran Ashwin to be back for CSK?
Chennai Super Kings are looking to prepare a solid team for the next few years. According to TOI, the franchise will be trying to bring back Ravichandran Ashwin back into the mix because of his vast experience of playing at Chepauk.
Ashwin has previous experience of playing in Chennai and is well aware of the team environment at the franchise. The 38-year-old is at the end stages of his career and will have a point to prove.
Getting back to CSK can also rejuvenate Ashwin during this stage of his career. He expressed his desire to TOI a few months ago that he still dreams of playing again for CSK, which gave him the first break in 2008.
Ravichandran Ashwin numbers for CSK
Ravichandran Ashwin has played 121 matches for CSK in which he has picked up 120 wickets at an average of 23.70 and an impressive economy rate of 6.66. He used to bowl the tough overs in the powerplay with the new ball and also became the go-to bowler for MS Dhoni.
Because of his impressive performances in the IPL, R Ashwin was picked to play for India as well. He made his international debut in 2010 and a year later, he was also a part of India's title-winning ODI World Cup squad in 2011.
RTM for Devon Conway?
While Ashwin could be bought back by Chennai Super Kings, the franchise could use the Right to Match (RTM) option for New Zealand opener Devon Conway. Conway has been associated with CSK since 2022 and has been exceptional in both the seasons (2022 and 2023) he has played so far.
The left-handed opener has fantastic numbers in the tournament. He has played 23 matches so far in which he has scored 924 runs at an average of 48.63 and a strike rate of 141.28. CSK will be aiming to get Conway back due to his consistency.
CSK have retained a total of five players ahead of the auction. Out of these five players, four are capped while MS Dhoni has been picked as an uncapped player. Thr retained players are Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ravindra Jadeja, Shivam Dube, Matheesha Pathirana, and MS Dhoni.
