Cricket star Ravichandran Ashwin planning to depart from CSK before IPL 2026
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) Bids Farewell to Ravichandran Ashwin
Ravichandran Ashwin, a former CSK player and current Director of Operations at the CSK Academy, is set to part ways with the franchise ahead of the IPL 2026 season. The decision comes after a disappointing IPL 2025 season, where Ashwin played only nine matches, taking just seven wickets, and facing criticism for his form and value relative to his high price of Rs 9.75 crore.
According to reports, Ashwin requested clarity from the CSK management regarding his playing opportunities during the season and later communicated his decision to leave the team, citing limited playing time and poor form as the primary reasons. To prevent any potential conflict of interest, Ashwin is also expected to step down from his role at the CSK Academy.
The news of Ashwin's departure has been confirmed by senior CSK officials and players, including Ruturaj Gaikwad and MS Dhoni, who recently held meetings in Chennai. Ashwin's decision marks the end of his second stint with CSK, having made his IPL debut with the team in 2009 and playing six seasons before leaving for other franchises.
Former players and fans have questioned Ashwin's impact on the team during the 2025 season, and his departure could pave the way for a fresh start for both parties. Ashwin has expressed his willingness to join another franchise and enter the auction pool, signaling his desire for more active participation than he received at CSK.
With Ashwin's departure, CSK will be looking for a replacement to bolster their bowling attack ahead of the upcoming season. The franchise has a rich history of successful players and has consistently performed well in the IPL, and it remains to be seen who they will bring in to fill Ashwin's shoes.
[1] The Indian Express
[2] Cricbuzz
[3] ESPN Cricinfo
[4] NDTV Sports
- Amidst the news of Ravichandran Ashwin's departure from Chennai Super Kings (CSK), popular sports and news outlets like The Indian Express, Cricbuzz, ESPN Cricinfo, and NDTV Sports are expected to cover the story extensively, analyzing his impact on the team during the previous season and discussing potential replacements for the void in CSK's bowling attack.
- Ravichandran Ashwin has expressed his intentions to join a new franchise, signaling that he may find a new home within the IPL sports community once he enters the auction pool. Fans and pundits are eagerly anticipating the news coverage of Ashwin's transfer from CSK on sports news networks such as The Indian Express, Cricbuzz, ESPN Cricinfo, and NDTV Sports.
