"Should’ve always stayed...": Virat Kohli’s pal makes big claim on Ravichandran Ashwin-CSK connection

Former South Africa batter AB de Villiers has shared his thoughts on off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin's recent retirement from the Indian Premier League (IPL). De Villiers stated that Ashwin should have stayed with Chennai Super Kings (CSK), noting that he never felt settled at other franchises.

Ashwin recently retired from the IPL. The 38-year-old hinted at possibly participating in T20 leagues around the world in the future. He struggled with the ball in his final IPL season, as he managed just seven wickets in nine games, with an average of 40.42 and an economy rate exceeding nine runs per over.

What a Scientist Of the Game - AB de Villiers on Ravichandran Ashwin

Speaking on 360 Live, AB de Villiers described Ravichandran Ashwin as a “professor” and “scientist” of cricket who has a deep understanding of the rules.

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“Stellar career. It has got to be said, what a wonderful player. What a scientist of the game. A doctor, professor of the game. He always took it to the limits of the rules book. Generally got it right, even though he was frowned upon a little bit. I have a lot of respect for guys who study the game, and he was one of such cricketers,” said de Villiers during a 360 Live session on X.

Ravichandran Ashwin Should Have Always Stayed at CSK - AB de Villiers

De Villiers feels that Ravichandran Ashwin should have stayed with the Chennai Super Kings. The former batter added that team retention decisions are complex, and he will always remember Ashwin as a yellow jersey guy.

“Incredible skill. A huge player and icon in India. He won so many games for Team India and CSK over the years. He played for other teams but never felt settled at those teams. In my opinion, he should have always stayed at CSK. Obviously, it was not up to him, as a lot of things go into that retention, all kinds of team selection. But I will always remember him as a yellow jersey guy,” added the RCB legend.

Ashwin represented Rajasthan Royals, Delhi Capitals, Rising Pune Supergiant, and Punjab Kings during his IPL career. His most notable achievements, however, came with Chennai Super Kings, where he began his IPL journey and played a key role in their consecutive title wins in 2010 and 2011.

Very Underrated With the Bat in hand - AB de Villiers

AB de Villiers said that Ravichandran Ashwin was not only good with his bowling but also underrated with the bat. He stated that Ashwin had the ability to step up and show resilience in challenging situations for Team India.

“Very underrated with the bat in hand. It is not spoken enough about how he showed a lot of character with the bat in hand. Generally, with Team India in trouble, he would have sort of come through,” said de Villiers.

Ashwin played 221 IPL matches, picking up 187 wickets with his best bowling figures being 4 for 34. He spent his early years at Chennai Super Kings before moving across several franchises over nine seasons. Ahead of the 2025 IPL season, CSK bought him back for ₹9.75 crore.

Also read: Virat Kohli kicked aside as AB de Villiers picks 5 best cricketers he played with in Tests