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'CSK fought for me during bidding war like they did in 2011': Emotional R Ashwin thanks CSK for his homecoming after a decade

Ravichandran Ashwin is excited to play alongside his former captain MS Dhoni again under the leadership of Ruturaj Gaikwad.

Sports Tak

• Mon • 25 Nov 2024

R Ashwin celebrates a wicket with Suresh Raina.

R Ashwin, Suresh Raina

Highlights:

R Ashwin last played for CSK in IPL 2015.

Ashwin has represented 4 franchises since his departure from CSK.

Ashwin will reunite with his bowling partner Ravindra Jadeja.

India's experienced spin-bowling all-rounder Ravichandran 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. Ashwin thanked the five-time IPL champions for fighting for him.

"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," Ashwin said in a video posted by CSK.

"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."

Ashwin recalled that even though he played for Royals, Chennai fans never stopped supporting him. He is excited by the idea of playing with MS Dhoni with a young Ruturaj Gaikwad as his captain.

"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," Ashwin said.

"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," the all-rounder added.

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Ashwin's IPL career

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.

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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).