Ravichandran Ashwin 'doesn't mind' in parting ways with Chennai Super Kings ahead of IPL 2026: Report

Ahead of the IPL 2026 mini-action that is set to be held in December, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin has seeked clarity on the role that the franchise will use him in the upcoming season. This comes after Cricbuzz had reported last week that Ashwin had asked the Chennai-based franchise to release him so that he can enter the auction for the next season.

There have also been rumours that Ashwin will be the player that CSK will trade with Rajasthan Royals in exchange for Sanju Samson. If this does end up happening then Ashwin will move to RR for a second stint as he had previously featured for the franchise from IPL 2022 to 2024. The 38-year-old was signed by CSK in the IPL 2025 mega auction for a massive fee of INR 9.75 crore, however it looks like his stay with the ffranchise won't be lasting for another year.

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According to a report by ESPNcricinfo, Ashwin is open to parting ways with the Chennai-based franchise if he doesn't fit their plans for the upcoming season. It remains to be seen what franchise will Ashwin feature for in IPL 2026.

Ashwin had a forgettable IPL campaign in 2025

Meanwhile, Ashwin's performance in IPL 2025 was underwhelming to say the least. The veteran spinner only managed to pick up seven scalps in nine matches for the team , maintaining an expensive economy rate of 9.12. It was quite a poor season for CSK as a whole as they ended up at the bottom of the place with just 8 points from 14 matches.

However, one poor season doesn't take away the fact that Ashwin is one of the finest spinner to have ever played in the cash-rich league. The 38-year-old has featured for a total of five deiffereent teams in tournament - Chennai Super Kings, Rising Pune Super Giants, Punjab Kings, Delhi Capitals and Rajasthan Royals. He has played 221 matches so far in the IPL, picking up a massive 187 wickets. He is notably the fifth-highest wicket-taker in the competition's history.

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CSK is undoubtedly the team where Ashwin shoined the most as he took 97 wickets in 106 matches for the franchise and also won the title with them in 2010 and 2011 seasons.