Follow UsThe IPL 2025 mega auction saw plenty of homecomings but none bigger than that of Ravichandran Ashwin, who was purchased by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for a whopping sum of ₹9.75 Cr.
It was at CSK that Ashwin announced himself to the world for the first time ever, and between IPL 2009 and IPL 2015, he played as many as 121 games for the franchise.
But after 2015, when CSK were banned for a couple of seasons, Ashwin stayed away from the franchise for as many as nine years. Thus, with the separation having been a long one, Ashwin's homecoming is set to be even sweeter come IPL 2025.
Ashwin recently linked up with CSK for the first time in a decade, and spoke of how it felt almost ‘odd’ to return as such a ‘senior’.
“It feels odd actually. It’s been so many years since I left. Coming back into the same team, all the people are the same. Every day I used to practise vigorously for the season, but after coming here today, I feel like I am a very senior person,” Ashwin said in a video posted by CSK.
“Nevertheless, I am looking forward to going to Chepauk as well,” Ashwin added.
Since leaving CSK, Ashwin has not managed to get his hands on the IPL Trophy. He’s since played for four franchises - Rajasthan Royals (RR), Delhi Capitals (DC), Punjab Kings (PBKS) and the now-defunct Rising Pune Super Giants (RPSG).