Follow UsR Ashwin made his much-awaited return to Chennai Super Kings (CSK) ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, but things didn’t quite work out for the franchise and the spinner.
CSK finished last on the points table for the first time in their IPL history. Meanwhile, Ashwin managed only seven wickets @ 40.42 and was also dropped for multiple games.
The former India offspinner conducted a YouTube live on May 27 (Tuesday), and a CSK fan wrote in the comments section: “Hi dear Ashwin, with lots of love, please leave my lovely CSK family.”
To which, Ashwin replied: "One thing that I can relate to is his love for the franchise. Let's not make one mistake. When you say something, please make sure that you're doing it in your best interest.
“I understand what you're trying to say. I also have the same love and interest. Don't think that I'm going to let this campaign go to waste. What I have in my controllables. If you give the ball in my hand, I will bowl, if you give bat, then I will bat.
"I have put in a lot of hard work, and there are areas which I can work on, which I know very clearly. In the powerplay, I have given away many runs. To bowl in the powerplay, I have to create more options next year. This is the best I can do.
"I have the best interest of the team, and I love the team way more than all of you. I was with the team in 2009 and 2010. I have played for seven years.
"I have qualified with CSK for the playoffs in the past. I have won the title. So, when I see a champion like this, I feel sad for the first time. I feel sad for that. That's why I'm sitting in a corner and crying. What to do next? This is my goal," the 38-year-old added.
Ashwin was bought for INR 9.75 crore in the IPL 2025 mega auction. It will be interesting to see whether CSK retain him ahead of the next season or not.