Ravichandran Ashwin Likely To Part Ways With CSK

Ace former Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin is likely to part ways with 5-time IPL champions Chennai Super Kings ahead of the auctions for IPL 2026.

The exact reason for the inevitable separation is immediately not clear, but the veteran offie is said to have made up his mind & reportedly he's also conveyed his decision to the franchise.

The future plans for CSK are not yet known. If the reports are to be believed, the current captain & the former captain of CSK, Ruturaj Gaikwad & MS Dhoni, have been practicing in Chennai; talks for IPL 2026 could likely be held in the coming days.

Ashwin To Leave CSK

In what seems like an inevitable step, the veteran spinner is likely to give up his role as the Director of Operations at the CSK Academy - a position he has held for the past year. Continuing in the CSK role could present a situation of a conflict of interest, something he is, it is learnt, keen to avoid.

A veteran of 221 matches with 187 wickets (with a healthy economy rate of 7.29) and 833 runs (with a strike rate of 118), Ashwin will inevitably find takers in the IPL circuit. The point of interest is whether he will be traded to another franchise or sold at auction. Ashwin featured in 9 games for CSK in the IPL this year.

Ashwin was acquired by CSK for INR 9.75 crore, marking his return to his home franchise after nine years. Between 2016 and 2024, he turned out for Delhi Capitals, Punjab Kings, and Rajasthan Royals. The veteran off-spinner began his IPL journey with CSK, spending his first eight seasons (2009-2015) with the MS Dhoni-led side; he made his debut in 2009.

This development is reported after a day when Sanju Samson had requested that the Rajasthan Royals release or trade him ahead of IPL 2026.