Ravichandran Ashwin shockingly leaves CSK and breaks news straight to MS Dhoni

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin is reportedly looking to leave the team before the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season. Ashwin has asked to be released ahead of the upcoming player auction amid reports of Sanju Samson’s trade to the five-time IPL champions.

Ashwin returned to Chennai Super Kings after being bought for ₹9.75 crore in the 2025 IPL auction. He also played for the team from 2008 to 2015. The off-spinner failed to live up to expectations during the recent season.

Ashwin took only 7 wickets in nine matches at an expensive economy rate of 9.1. He was dropped from the playing XI in the latter stages of the tournament.

SHORTS

View More

Your daily dose of cricket!

Loading...

Ravichandran Ashwin and Chennai Super Kings Likely to Part Ways

According to a Cricbuzz report, Ravichandran Ashwin and Chennai Super Kings are likely to part ways. While this has not been officially confirmed, it was reported that the off-spinner has decided to move on from the franchise.

The exact reasons behind this remain unclear, but Ashwin has communicated his intentions to the team. Meanwhile, senior CSK figures, including MS Dhoni and Ruturaj Gaikwad, have been holding discussions in Chennai about strategies and plans for the upcoming season.

"Ashwin, one of the greatest match-winners for India in red-ball cricket, is likely to part ways with the Super Kings franchise," the report read.

"The exact reason for the inevitable separation is immediately not clear but the veteran offspinner is believed to have made up his mind and is understood to have conveyed this to the franchise."

Ravichandran Ashwin Likely to Resign as Director of Operations at CSK Academy

The report added that Ravichandran Ashwin is expected to step down from his position as Director of Operations at the CSK Academy. He has held that role for the past year.

There is a possibility of him joining a different franchise, as maintaining his CSK role alongside playing for another team could create a conflict of interest, which Ashwin is reportedly eager to avoid.

"In what seems like an inevitable step, the veteran spinner is likely to give up his role as the Director of Operations at the CSK Academy - a position he has held for the past year. If he were to join another franchise, continuing in the CSK role could present a situation of a conflict of interest, something he is, it is learnt, keen to avoid."

Chennai Super Kings Facing Challenges Ahead of the Mini-Auction

Chennai Super Kings is facing challenges ahead of the IPL 2026 mini-auction, with Ravichandran Ashwin’s high salary and recent dip in performance. The franchise could free up nearly ₹10 crore by releasing Ashwin, allowing CSK to invest in younger players and rebuild their squad.

Experts like Tom Moody and Subramanian Badrinath have suggested that parting ways with expensive veterans such as Ashwin and Jadeja could give CSK the financial flexibility for a fresh approach.

Ashwin remains a valuable T20 player due to his experience, especially in powerplay and middle overs. Teams like Rajasthan Royals, Punjab Kings, or Delhi Capitals might be interested in acquiring him. He has played 221 IPL matches and taken 187 wickets.

The question now is whether he will be traded directly or enter the auction pool. Ashwin represented Delhi Capitals, Punjab Kings, and Rajasthan Royals between 2016 and 2024.

Also read: Michael Vaughan and David Lloyd snub England in picks for 'Best Team, Batter & Bowler' from 2025 series