Ravichandran Ashwin expressed heartfelt excitement upon his return to the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) during the IPL 2025 Auction on November 24. The veteran spinner, who played for CSK from 2009 to 2015, had been away from the franchise since the 2018 auction. Chennai decided to go all out for the veteran spinner during day 1 of the auction and beat competition from the likes of RCB, LSG and RR. The 5-time champions shelled out Rs. 9.75 crore for the services of Ravichandran Ashwin, who will now be reunited with MS Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja.
India’s experienced spin-bowling all-rounder R Ashwin is set ready to don the yellow again as Chennai Super Kings (CSK) splurged Rs 9.75 crore in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction. As many as four franchises were interested in his services but in the end it was a bidding war between Rajasthan Royals (RR) and CSK. R Ashwin thanked the five-time IPL champions for fighting for him.
Ravichandran Ashwin’s IPL career
Ravichandran Ashwin made his IPL debut for CSK in 2009. He represented them in five editions of now-defunct Champions T20 League as well. Since then, he has represented now-defunct Rising Pune Supergiant (RPS), Punjab Kings (PBKS), Delhi Capitals (DC), and RR. Currently, he is the fifth joint-highest wicket-taker with 180 wickets from 212 games.
Ravichandran Ashwin, who enjoyed an incredible spell with CSK before making it onto the international stage expressed his gratitude for the Chennai-based team and attributed a lot of his success to what he learned in yellow.
Ravichandran Ashwin reflects on CSK nostalgia as all-rounder completes homecoming in IPL 2025
Speaking in a video released on CSK’s Instagram profile, R Ashwin said he was always indebted to the franchise as they helped him propel his international career. Ravichandran Ashwin said he felt nostalgic seeing Chennai go all-out for him, much like how they did in 2011 when he was rising up the ranks in Indian cricket. The spinner went on to say how the CSK fans used to treat him whenever he was playing against them and is looking forward to playing alongside Dhoni and Ruturaj Gaikwad.
“They say life is a circle. I played for them from 2008 to 2015. I am always indebted to them. Whatever I learnt at CSK then has propelled me this far in international cricket. It’s been 10 years since I played for CSK.”
He added how nostalgic he felt about Chennai bidding to bring him back to the MA Chidambaram Stadium, just as they had done over a decade ago.
“The price, CSK buying me and all that is there. But, I feel nostalgic because, CSK fought for me during the bidding war like how they did in 2011. It was a trip down memory lane. It’s a very special feeling.”
He touched up on the incredible fan base the Chennai side enjoys and revealed how eager he is to perform in front of the passionate fanbase.
“I have seen a lot of ‘Anbuden fans’ banners. I have played there for Rajasthan Royals. I played in Chennai, and I noticed that CSK fans won’t shout or celebrate when I am bowling and batting.”
Ravichandran Ashwin, one of the players thrust into the spotlight thanks to the confidence former India and CSK skipper MS Dhoni had in him, also spoke about his delight in reuniting with the World Cup winner.
“I am so glad to return to CSK. I am looking forward to playing in front of the ever-growing fandom. Looking forward to playing with MS Dhoni and playing under Ruturaj Gaikwad,” said Ashwin.
CSK’s picks on first day of auction
CSK who retained their core before the auction were not too busy when the big names came up. Their most expensive buy on first day of the auction turned out to be Afghanistan spinner Noor Ahmad at Rs 10 crore. Their other picks were — Devon Conway (Rs 6.25 crore), Khaleel Ahmed (Rs 4.80 crore), Rachin Ravindra (Rs 4 crore), Rahul Tripathi (Rs 3.40 crore), Vijay Shankar (Rs 1.20 crore).