A surprising and bold statement came out from former Chennai Superkings Batter S.Badrinath which mentioned about the value that Ravichandran Ashwin adds to the CSK side. Ravichandran Ashwin who was bought by Chennai Superkings for phenomenal amount of Rs 9.75 Crore during the mega auction in November 2024 has not been a worth the money kind of player feels Badrinath.
Ravichandran Ashwin is definitely not at his peak- Subramaniam Badrinath
Badrinath, the two time IPL winner who also played for CSK alongside Ashwin, mentioned on his YouTube Channel “Cric it with Badri”.
“I feel Ashwin adds value to CSK, but not at Rs 10 crore (Rs 9.75 crore). In the IPL, you need to see the price point and the player. He is definitely not at his peak. That is why I have been maintaining from the start that Ashwin has to be released,”
Fuel Added to the fire:
Earlier on Friday there were reports floating on various news platforms that Ashwin wants to part ways with Chennai Super Kings. With the news of Ashwin wanting to leave Chennai Super Kings, the statement made by Badrinath did the work of fanning the flames.
Prior to this, the news of Sanju Samson requesting his franchise Rajasthan Royals to trade him or release him coincided with the news of Ashwin wanting to part ways which sparked a new tale of a trade happening between CSK and RR of Sanju Samson and Ravichandran Ashwin. Speaking on this player switch Badrinath opines it will create a confusion in the franchise.
“We don’t know if MS Dhoni is going to continue playing or not. That decision has not yet been made. He might play a few matches, or he could play a few matches at Chepauk. There might be a brand value attached. He could attract a few brands. He might announce till the IPL season starts. The presence of Sanju Samson could create confusion, which is what I feel,” the two-time IPL winner said.
Ravichandran Ashwin’s 2025 Season Under Scrutiny
Ashwin’s IPL 2025 numbers tell a mixed story. The off-spinner picked up only 7 wickets in 9 matches, conceding runs at an economy rate of over 9 per over. While he offered occasional breakthroughs and maintained control in certain middle-over spells, his impact fell short of the high standards he has set over a decade in the league.
Ravichandran Ashwin Seeks Clarity from CSK
Adding to the intrigue, reports indicate that Ashwin himself has asked CSK for clarity on his future before the 2026 season. Such a move suggests he is aware of the uncertainty surrounding his role and contract.
Furthermore, it is believed that should Ashwin exit the playing roster, he would also step down as Director of Operations at the CSK Academy to avoid any conflict of interest. This would be a significant off-field change, as Ashwin has been closely linked with the franchise’s talent development programs.
Performance vs Price – A Balancing Act
Franchises often face the challenge of balancing loyalty, fan sentiment, and cold-blooded cricket economics. Ashwin is a homegrown CSK star, having started his IPL career with the team and contributing to multiple title wins. However, the auction dynamics of modern T20 cricket mean that even legends are not immune to being released if their cost outweighs their expected returns.
For CSK, the next few months could be pivotal. Whether they choose to retain Ashwin at a lower price, trade him to another franchise, or release him entirely will shape not only their spin department but also the leadership and experience balance in the dressing room.
Legend’s Talk
Former India captain Krishnamachari Srikkanth backed Chennai Super Kings to let go of R Ashwin, who could leave the five-time champions only a season after his glittery reunion with the franchise following a Rs 9.75 crore auction deal.Speaking on his Youtube Channel Srikkanth mentioned
“They thought it was a good pick, but unfortunately, you’ve got to understand that it’s franchise cricket at the end of the day and not Tamil Nadu cricket. Yes, all of us admire him for his records, he has done brilliantly for IPL, CSK, India, and Tamil Nadu. But that apart, you have to win championships. The last two years CSK have not qualified for the playoffs,” Srikkanth said.
What Lies Ahead
As the IPL 2026 auction approaches, all eyes will be on the CSK management. Will they back their veteran spinner for another year, banking on his experience and cricketing intelligence? Or will they opt for a younger, more economical option, freeing up resources for other marquee signings?
For now, Ashwin remains a CSK player, but the signs point toward a defining decision ahead one that could mark the end of a storied chapter and the beginning of a new era for both player and franchise.