Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are reportedly interested in signing experienced Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin for the upcoming IPL 2025 mega auction. Ashwin, who played for Rajasthan Royals in the previous season, was released by the franchise on October 31.
Chennai Super Kings to bring back R Ashwin in IPL 2025?
Ashwin, a veteran of the IPL, has amassed 180 wickets in his career. He began his IPL journey with CSK in 2009 and remained with the franchise until 2015. Subsequently, he represented Rising Pune Supergiants, Punjab Kings, Delhi Capitals, and Rajasthan Royals.
Earlier this year, Ashwin expressed his desire to return to CSK. He spent eight successful years with the franchise between 2009 and 2015, playing 97 matches and taking 90 wickets.
As per a report in Times of India, besides targeting Ashwin, CSK is also planning to use their Right To Match (RTM) card to retain New Zealand batter Devon Conway. Conway, who joined CSK in the 2022 mega auction, has been a valuable asset to the team, scoring 924 runs in 23 matches over the past three seasons.
In addition to Conway, CSK is keen on retaining the services of Kiwi all-rounders Rachin Ravindra and Mitchell Santner, as well as Indian pacers Deepak Chahar and Shardul Thakur.
Ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction, CSK has already retained five players. They have invested heavily in Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ravindra Jadeja, retaining them for 18 crores each. Matheesha Pathirana and Shivam Dube were retained for 13 crores and 12 crores, respectively. The legendary MS Dhoni will continue to represent CSK, having been retained as an uncapped player for 4 crores.
MS Dhoni, the legendary captain of Chennai Super Kings, stepped down as the team's captain ahead of the 2024 IPL season. He handed over the captaincy to opening batter Ruturaj Gaikwad, who has been a key player for CSK since 2019. Unfortunately, CSK's 2024 season was disappointing. They failed to qualify for the playoffs, suffering a crucial loss to Royal Challengers Bangalore in their final league stage match to get eliminated from IPL 2024.
