Is Ashwin Ready to Join IPL Mini-Auction After Leaving Chennai Super Kings?
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Synopsis
Ravichandran Ashwin is poised to enter the IPL mini-auction after bidding farewell to CSK. With his impressive track record, can he enhance another franchise’s spin department? Dive into the latest updates on Ashwin’s IPL journey and what lies ahead in the 2026 season.
Key Takeaways
- Ashwin's departure from CSK opens new opportunities in the IPL.
- His impressive stats make him a sought-after player.
- Potential conflict of interest if he joins another franchise.
New Delhi, Aug 8 (NationPress) Just under a year after a much-discussed return to Chennai Super Kings (CSK), the seasoned off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin appears set to participate in the mini-auction ahead of the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season after parting ways with the five-time championship-winning franchise.
Sources closely monitoring the situation have informed IANS on Friday that Ashwin is indeed moving on from CSK, a team he represented from 2008-2015, during which he became a two-time IPL champion. “It’s virtually assured that he will be released by CSK once the retention dates are announced. He will exclusively be entering the auction pool,” the sources added.
In last year’s mega auction, Ashwin was acquired by CSK for INR 9.75 crore, marking his return to his home franchise after playing for Delhi Capitals, Punjab Kings, and Rajasthan Royals. In the 2025 IPL, where CSK finished at the bottom of the table, Ashwin participated in nine matches – taking only seven wickets at a concerning economy rate of 9.13 and was even benched at one point due to his lackluster performance.
Ashwin, who retired from international cricket following the Brisbane Test against Australia in last year’s Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, is also leading the CSK’s High Performance Centre and the Super Kings Academy.
If he decides to join another franchise, he will need to resign from these dual roles due to a conflict of interest ruling; however, sources have indicated that there’s no definitive information regarding this matter. Currently, MS Dhoni and Ruturaj Gaikwad – the former and present CSK captains - are in Chennai for discussions with franchise officials to outline plans for the upcoming season.
A veteran of 221 IPL matches, Ashwin has secured 187 wickets at a commendable economy rate of 7.29. He has also accumulated 833 runs at a strike rate of 118, making him a valuable asset for franchises looking to acquire a highly experienced player while enhancing their spin-bowling department.
Point of View
It is crucial to remain unbiased while covering the evolving landscape of the IPL. The departure of Ravichandran Ashwin from CSK marks a significant shift, reflecting not only his career trajectory but also the dynamics of the IPL. His experience and skill set will undoubtedly draw interest from various franchises, making this an intriguing development for cricket enthusiasts.
NationPress
20/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Ashwin leaving CSK?
Ravichandran Ashwin is leaving Chennai Super Kings as he is expected to be released by the franchise ahead of the IPL mini-auction for the 2026 season.
What teams has Ashwin played for in the IPL?
Ravichandran Ashwin has played for several teams in the IPL including Chennai Super Kings, Delhi Capitals, Punjab Kings, and Rajasthan Royals.
What is Ashwin's IPL experience?
Ashwin has played 221 IPL matches, taking 187 wickets at an economy rate of 7.29, and scoring 833 runs at a strike rate of 118.
