IPL 2025 Auction: Reunion With MS Dhoni at CSK or Leading MI’s Spin Attack? 5 Teams Likely to Target Ravichandran Ashwin

Add as a preferred source on Google

IPL 2025 Auction: Veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin is set to draw significant interest in the IPL 2025 mega auction. With 212 IPL appearances and a base price of ₹2 crore, Ashwin’s experience and adaptability make him a valuable asset for any franchise.

Having played for Rajasthan Royals (RR) last season, Ashwin was not retained by the franchise ahead of the upcoming season. Ashwin’s IPL 2024 campaign saw him add depth to RR’s middle overs with his economical bowling.

Across his career, he has consistently stemmed runs and picked up crucial wickets, tallying 171 wickets at an economy rate of 6.94 in the league. Beyond his bowling, Ashwin has reinvented himself as a T20 floater in the batting order, showcasing utility with the bat when needed.

Here are five teams that might target R. Ashwin in the IPL 2025 auction:

1. Chennai Super Kings (CSK)

Ashwin’s IPL journey began with CSK, where he became a household name. Known for their spin-friendly home conditions at Chepauk, CSK could look to reunite with their former star. Ashwin’s familiarity with the Chennai pitch and his ability to pair with Ravindra Jadeja and Moeen Ali makes him an ideal addition to the team. His experience could also be invaluable as MS Dhoni transitions towards his final IPL seasons.

2. Gujarat Titans (GT)

The defending champions might consider Ashwin to complement their star leg-spinner, Rashid Khan. Ashwin’s addition would allow GT to field an Indian spinner, freeing up an overseas slot for other areas. His tactical acumen and ability to control the middle overs could provide an edge to Gujarat’s already formidable bowling lineup.

3. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)

With the Ekana Stadium known for its spin-friendly surfaces, LSG could utilise Ashwin’s experience to lead their spin attack alongside Ravi Bishnoi. Ashwin’s ability to bowl in different phases of the game, combined with his batting, could also make him a potential captaincy candidate for a franchise seeking its maiden IPL title.

4. Mumbai Indians (MI)

Mumbai’s bowling attack has lacked a dependable Indian spinner in recent years. Ashwin’s inclusion could stabilise their middle overs while allowing MI to pair him with their pace-heavy lineup. Additionally, his ability to chip in with the bat strengthens their lower order, making him a complete package for the five-time champions.

5. Rajasthan Royals (RR)

While RR couldn’t retain Ashwin, they might still attempt to bring him back at the auction. With a limited purse, RR could aim to leverage his familiarity with their setup and his successful pairing with Yuzvendra Chahal, rebuilding their spin-heavy middle-overs strategy.