The IPL 2025 Auction brought a heartwarming twist as Ravichandran Ashwin made his return to Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for Rs 9.75 crore after an intense four-way bidding war involving Rajasthan Royals (RR), Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). The move was hailed as a “homecoming” by CSK head coach Stephen Fleming.
A Strategic Fit for CSK
Fleming emphasized the importance of Ashwin’s experience and versatility:
“It’s a bit of a homecoming for Ashwin, but he’s a world-class bowler. He still has a very good skillset, and his numbers are fantastic. While he’s towards the latter part of his career, the experience and balance he brings are invaluable.”
Fleming highlighted Ashwin’s utility not only as a bowler but also as a handy lower-order batter, adding depth and variety to the CSK lineup. With Ashwin’s addition, CSK aims to bolster its bowling attack, focusing on wicket-taking options in the middle overs alongside their newly acquired spinner Noor Ahmad.
Robin Uthappa Lauds CSK’s Move
Former CSK star Robin Uthappa also praised the decision, calling Ashwin a “lateral thinker” who can provide valuable insights to captain Ruturaj Gaikwad.
“Ashwin is not just a bowler; he’s an asset who can think out of the box. He may not always be the highest wicket-taker, but his economy and ability to adapt make him a game-changer. He could even be used as a pinch hitter up the order if needed.”
CSK’s Bowling Vision for IPL 2025
Fleming shared CSK’s revamped bowling strategy, focusing on taking wickets to counter the modern batting firepower:
“You can’t just contain anymore; you need to take wickets to slow teams down. Our picks, including Ashwin and Noor Ahmad, are aimed at providing that edge in turning conditions while complementing our retained players.”
With Ashwin’s return, CSK fans have another reason to cheer as the franchise prepares for another competitive season, blending experience and fresh talent to maintain its legacy.
