Is Ravichandran Ashwin Leaving CSK? Reality Check on IPL 2026 Rumors

Ravichandran Ashwin's much-celebrated return to the Chennai Super Kings during the IPL 2025 auction was considered a major homecoming.

However, the story has since taken an unexpected turn, with speculation mounting that Ashwin might be on the verge of leaving the franchise. The Super Kings had fought off fierce competition from both the Lucknow Super Giants and Rajasthan Royals to secure the veteran spinner for a significant sum of INR 9.75 crore. Despite his deep history with the team, his performance during the 2025 season has raised some questions. Ashwin featured in nine matches, managing to take just seven wickets at a challenging average of 40.42 and an economy rate of 9.12.

This marks only the fourth time in his career that he has taken fewer than 10 wickets in a season and the first time his economy rate has climbed above nine runs per over since his IPL debut back in 2009. Additionally, it was the first time since 2010 that he played in fewer than 10 matches in a single season.

 

Ashwin himself offered insights into his situation in a recent YouTube video. He explained, "Last year, I played only nine games, which was unprecedented in my IPL career. I always played every game for whichever franchise I was with. I sought clarity during the IPL season itself." Ashwin further clarified his position, stating that he had sought clarity on his role before the end of the previous season. "A player can express interest or disinterest in renewing a contract and seek clarity. I sought clarity after the season ended," he said.

Reports indicate that Ashwin is also stepping down from his role as Director of Operations at the CSK Academy, a position he took on last year. Remaining in this role while potentially moving to another franchise could create a conflict of interest. Rumors of a trade involving Ashwin and Sanju Samson have also been circulating. Ashwin addressed these rumors head-on, highlighting the financial realities involved. "I joined CSK for Rs 9.75 crore last year, and Sanju Samson is valued at Rs 18 crore at RR. If CSK wants a player worth Rs 18 crore, they need to release or trade players of equivalent value," he noted.

Ashwin's IPL career began with CSK in 2008, with his debut coming in 2009. He then played for the Rising Pune Supergiants in 2016, the Punjab Kings starting in 2018, was traded to the Delhi Capitals before the 2020 season, and spent three seasons with the Rajasthan Royals before making his return to CSK in 2025. Over his extensive career, he has accumulated 187 wickets across 220 matches at an average of 30.22.
 

Team	Year Joined	Year Left	Matches Played	Wickets Taken	Average
Chennai Super Kings	2008	2015	92	121	29.67
Rising Pune Supergiants	2016	2016	14	16	28.75
Punjab Kings	2018	2019	26	27	29.26
Delhi Capitals	2020	2022	36	38	28.42
Rajasthan Royals	2023	2025	30	38	30.79
Chennai Super Kings	2025	-	9	7	40.42