Ravichandran Ashwin to play for CSK in IPL 2025? Off-spinner to take charge of Chennai Super Kings academies

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Ravichandran Ashwin, who has been playing for Rajasthan Royals (RR) since 2022, can return to play for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for the first time after 2015. The veteran spinner has been roped in by the five-time champions to take charge of their High Performance Centre and their academies across the world.

CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan confirmed the development, and also did not rule out the chances of Ashwin being bought by the franchise in the IPL 2025 mega auction. Ashwin is the joint fifth-highest wicket-taker in the IPL history. He has picked 180 wickets in 212 matches and is tied with Sunil Narine.

"Ashwin is one of the greats of India and Tamil Nadu and his presence will be a big boost to the high performance centre and our academies," Kasi Viswanathan told PTI.

The centre is located on the outskirts of Chennai. The 37-year-old, who recently became the second Indian bowler to take 500 Test wickets after Anil Kumble, got to play for India following his exploits at CSK.

The 37-year-old was part of the storied franchise from 2008 to 2015. With the IPL 2025 mega auction lined up, the former Punjab Kings (PBKS) captain could be back in the auction kist if not retained by Rajasthan. CSK would be more than happy to bring him into the fold.

He played for Rajasthan Royals in the final of the recently-concluded IPL 2024. When asked if CSK would look to buy him at the auction, Viswanathan said: "We can't control what happens at the auctions. We will see what happens." Back in the India Cements family, Ashwin will also be eligible to play for its team in the TNCA first division.

Former CSK captain Dhoni looked at his dangerous best in the season that went by. He is 42 and his future at CSK remains a subject of constant speculation. "Only MS can decide for himself. We and his fans would wish for him to play but ultimately it will be his call and we will respect that," Viswanathan added. Dhoni stepped down from the team's captaincy at the beginning of this season, handing over the leadership role to Ruturaj Gaikwad.

(With Input from PTI)