Chennai Super Kings' (CSK) veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has addressed reports him leaving the franchise after a forgettable Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season. Many reports have claimed that Ashwin will go back to Rajasthan Royals (RR) as CSK are looking to rope in their skipper Sanju Samson in a blockbuster trade ahead of the mini-auction.
Ashwin revealed that when he was at RR, he received a performance review mail from the franchise's CEO. He lauded the franchise for their communication. He expects clarity for CSK as nothing is in his hands.
"When I played for RR, after completing 1-year, the RR CEO mailed about a performance review… We are so and so, we are expecting this, and we are renewing your contract next year. Like this, every year, it's a 1+1+1 contract," Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.
"So, every year when the contract finishes, it's the responsibility of the franchise to communicate to the players whether they are retaining or releasing. In this situation, where there is a cover on me, Sanju. Obviously, there should be a review of interest or non-interest. Every player wants clarity. In this case, nothing is in my hands; I've only asked for clarity. In my situation, I became a CSK player, and maximum cover is not coming from the player."
Ashwin not privy to CSK trade developments
The 38-year-old talked about what how the players' trade works in the IPL and what CSK need to do if they want to acquire the services of Samson.
"I became a CSK player at Rs 9.75 crore last year, and Sanju Samson's price is Rs 18 crore at RR. Correct? Now, if CSK wants a player worth Rs 18 crore, they need to have that amount. Okay, so CSK has to release players worth Rs 18 crore, or they have to trade off players worthy of Rs 18 crore. You can trade to RR or somewhere else.," he said.
“Now, I am not saying this is happening because I've zero knowledge, because it's conflicted. I have been working a little in the CSK academy, so I don't know the inside news. A lot of meetings have been going on to decide what will happen."
Ashwin fed up of CSK questions
Later, the co-hosts wanted viewers to comment where do they want to see Ashwin playing in the next season. The spin-bowling all-rounder was quick to reply.
"Arey, mujhe chor do yaar (Please leave me alone with folded hands gesture). Mujhe khusi se rehne do yaar (Guys, let me live happily),” he said.
Ashwin’s comeback season at CSK
Ashwin played nine games for CSK in this year's edition. He claimed seven wickets at an average of 40.42 and economy rate of 9.12 runs per over. With the bat, he got four chances and scored 33 runs.
Ashwin’s statistics at Rajasthan Royals
At RR, Ashwin played 45 games across three seasons. He bagged 35 wickets at an average of 38.22. His economy rate of 77.82 runs per over was impressive. He was used as a floater in the batting lineup, scoring 344 runs from 31 innings, including a half-century. His strike rate for RR was 132.30.