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'I Didn't Think...,' R Ashwin Thanks MS Dhoni For Getting Him Back At CSK For IPL 2025

Poulomi Chakraborty

Ashwin In CSK Jersey (Source: @mufaddal_vohra/x.com)Ashwin In CSK Jersey (Source: @mufaddal_vohra/x.com)

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After 2015, Ravichandran Ashwin is set to don the CSK jersey again in IPL 2025. After a decade, his homecoming is nothing short of amazing. While reflecting on his CSK return, Ashwin discussed the team's place in his heart and his unwavering bond with MS Dhoni.

Ashwin Reflects On Homecoming

After making his IPL debut in 2009, Ashwin played a key role for CSK before parting ways in 2015. Over the years, he donned different jerseys, but fate had other plans. In IPL 2025, CSK brought him back for ₹9.75 crore, completing a full-circle moment. Before stepping into the upcoming season, he reflected on his homecoming.

“It feels like it’s 2011 again. You learn a lot, but one thing that really stands out is that CSK has remained a team that’s evolved, yet at the same time, remained an archive," Ashwin said.

“Today, in the world of cricket corporatisation, there’s nobody who runs a business to make a loss - I understand that. But things have evolved, and teams have changed so much. Coming here (to CSK) again, I realised it hasn’t changed one bit since I left in 2015,” he said.

Ashwin Thanks MS Dhoni

With time, the off-spinner made himself a formidable force in Team India’s bowling unit. In March 2024, he reached an unbelievable career milestone, playing his 100th Test for India. But Ashwin had another plan as he was set to hang his boots from the longest format and also invited Dhoni for a special reason. But things took a different turn, and Ashwin thanked Captain Cool.

“I invited MS for my 100th Test to hand over the memento. I wanted to make that my last Test. Unfortunately, he couldn’t come, but I didn’t think you’d hand over the gift of getting me back to CSK. It’s a much better one, so thank you, MS,” Ashwin said.

The entire CSK fans are set to witness Ashwin’s magic on the Chepauk pitch. On March 23, the Chennai Super Kings are all set to face their arch-rivals, the Mumbai Indians on March 23. Fans are waiting for another nail-biting encounter.