Ravichandran Ashwin has sealed a sensational return to the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) after he was bought by the franchise in the Indian Premier League (IPL 2025) mega auction on Sunday (Nov 24). Ashwin, having represented the side between 2009and 2015 will be back for a second stint at the franchise as CSK look to win a record-breaking sixth title in the IPL 2025. Ashwin, now 38, will be a key asset to the franchise and will reunite with MS Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja at the helm.
Naayagan meendum vaaraar! š¦š#SuperAuction #UngalAnbuden š¦š @ashwinravi99 pic.twitter.com/K4pd2Fp3cP ā Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) November 24, 2024
In a tightly contested bidding war between Rajasthan Royals and CSK, it was the South Indian side who won the bid for Ashwin. While both tables did not give up, CSK were determined to get the deal done and paid a whopping price of $1.15 million. Interestingly, the leg spinner was a crowd favourite with both CSK and RR and will bring tonnes of experience to the former.
The veteran spinner has 180 wickets in 212 matches and is a handy batter down the order, giving good utility options to CSK. During his first stint with CSK, he scalped 90 wickets in 98 matches and won the IPL on two occasions in 2010 and 2011. He also won the now-defunct Champions League on two occasions with CSK.
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At the time of writing, CSK acquired the services of Rahul Tripathi for $360,000 while Devon Conway was bought in for $740,000. CSK already have the likes of MS Dhoni, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Ravindra Jadeja as they look to cement the core of the side.
Despite rumours of a reported bid for Rishabh Pant, he was not considered by the franchise and was acquired by the Luknow Super Giants for a whopping $3.2 million, making him the most expensive player in the history of the tournament. Despite the Right to Match (RTM) card by the Delhi Capitals, it was LSG who won the battle for the Indian wicketkeeper-batter.