IPL 2025 Auction: Why CSK Will Hand Home Return For Indian Spinner Ravichandran Ashwin?

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Ravichandran Ashwin could be heading back to where it all started for him in Indian Premier League (IPL) as a return to Chennai Super Kings (CSK) looks seemingly possible for the veteran spinner.

The 38-year-old made his IPL debut, representing CSK in the 2009 edition, but the Tamil Nadu spinner was also part of the Yellow Brigade in the inaugural season in 2008. During his stint with CSK, Ashwin broke into the Indian team and has evolved into one of the best spinners in Test cricket.

After CSK was banned in the 2016 and 2017 editions, Ashwin moved to Rising Pune Supergiants. The off-spinner was roped in by Punjab Kings in 2018, when CSK returned to the IPL. He later had a stint with Delhi Capitals before being bought by Rajasthan Royals in the last mega auction in 2022.

Ashwin was keen to move back CSK in the 2022 Mega Auction, but the franchise's retention of Moeen Ali and Ravindra Jadeja meant they had to miss out on signing their former player.

This time around, the chances are a little high for CSK to hand a home return for Ashwin, who was released by RR ahead of the IPL Mega Auction 2025. CSK also has not retained an off-spinner this time, allowing them to go after someone like Ashwin.

In his previous stint at CSK, Ashwin has claimed 90 wickets in 107 IPL matches. At Chepauk, which has favoured slower bowlers over the years, Ashwin is the leading wicket-taker in IPL history, having claimed 50 wickets in 43 matches.

In international matches at the Chennai venue, Ashwin has claimed 36 wickets in 5 Tests and 6 wickets in 4 ODIs. He has never featured in a T20 International at the Chepauk.

CSK will face competition from a few other teams as well in their quest for Ashwin, but the Chennai-based side will give it a try as the senior cricketer also provides as a good batting option if needed.

The only things that could put off teams from signing Ashwin could be his age as he well be closer to 39 when next season starts. It's also unclear if Ashwin himself will enter the auction this year or whether he will play the whole cycle of 2025-27.

Another factor that could hinder CSK's chances of getting Ashwin will be when the spinner's name is drawn out for the bidding process with several other options also likely to be in the pool like Sri Lanka's Maheesh Theekshana, who was part of the squad last season.