IPL Auction 2025: "CSK fought for me...": Ravichandran Ashwin opens up on reunion with MS Dhoni's team

Ravichandran Ashwin is all set for a grand homecoming after being snapped up by the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for a whopping INR 9.75 crore in the IPL 2025 mega auction in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

After a long journey with multiple franchises, including Rajasthan Royals (RR), Delhi Capitals (DC), and Punjab Kings (PBKS), Ashwin returned to the franchise that introduced him to the world.

Notably, Ravichandran Ashwin had made his IPL debut for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in 2009, and the Indian spinner was instrumental in their back-to-back title wins in 2010 and 2011.

Ravichandran Ashwin reunites with Chennai Super Kings after 10 years for massive INR 9.75 crore at IPL 2025 Mega Auction

His return to the yellow jersey has sparked excitement among fans after CSK brought one of their original heroes back to where it all began. The off-spinner last represented CSK in 2015. However, it was already certain that Ashwin would return to CSK when he rejoined India Cements and the franchise’s high-performance center in Chennai.

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But the five-time IPL champions’ decision to bring Ashwin back aligns with their strategy of blending experienced players with young talent under the leadership of Ruturaj Gaikwad. Ashwin's vast experience and tactical brilliance are expected to play a crucial role in their 2025 campaign.

After returning to Chennai Super Kings, Ravichandran Ashwin expressed his excitement and nostalgia after the franchise spent such a huge amount on him at the IPL 2025 mega auction. Reflecting on his journey, Ashwin shared how his stint with CSK from 2008 to 2015 shaped his career and how returning to the Yellow Army feels like coming full circle.

It is a very special feeling: Ravichandran Ashwin on rejoining Chennai Super Kings

He appreciated the franchise's unwavering support and looked forward to reuniting with the passionate fans and playing alongside MS Dhoni and Ruturaj Gaikwad, saying this homecoming is a special moment.

Ravichandran Ashwin said in Tamil in his social media video: “They say life is a circle. From 2008 till 2015, I wore the yellow jersey and played for CSK, and I am always indebted to them. Whatever I learnt at CSK has helped me hugely in my international cricket journey as well till today. It's almost 10 years since I last played for CSK; 2015 was my last season with CSK. I don't know how to express it; I was picked by CSK again in this auction.”

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Ashwin further noted, “Words like homecoming, price, etc., are there, but something that is very nostalgic for me is the fact that CSK fought for me in the same way that they fought for me way back in the 2011 IPL auction. It was a trip down memory lane for me. It is a very special feeling. I have seen a lot about our "Anbuden" fans on social media for the last 10 years.”

I am so glad to be back, to play alongside MS Dhoni: Ashwin

The Indian off-spinner further revealed that when he was representing Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the IPL, he used to feel bad that he was playing against the CSK fans. Furthermore, Ashwin claimed that the CSK fans never shouted whether he was bowling or batting for the Royals.

So, after returning to his beloved franchise Chennai Super Kings, he is looking forward to playing in front of the same fans and ever-growing fandom. Ashwin signed off by saying, “I am so glad to be back, to play alongside MS Dhoni, and of course, to play under Ruturaj Gaikwad. Thank you once again.”