Times of India have reported that veteran spinner R. Ashwin could be seen in the yellow of Chennai Super Kings once again. It is believed that the five-time IPL winners will be bidding for the veteran spinner during the upcoming IPL 2025 mega auction. Ashwin began his IPL career under MS Dhoni before parting ways after the 2015 season.
Chennai Super Kings didn’t buy Ashwin after coming back into the fold post serving their two-year suspension. The veteran spinner went on to have stints with Rising Pune Super Giants, Delhi Capitals, Rajasthan Royals, and Punjab Kings. The 38-year-old was released by Rajasthan on Thursday along with seasoned spinner Yuzvendra Chahal.
According to reports carried in the same newspaper, Devon Conway could also be back in Chennai for the new season. The Kiwi opener is one of the key choices for CSK to be picked using the Right to Match (RTM) card. Devon Conway has been in great form with the bat during the current Test series in India. The left-handed batter has also formed a great opening partnership with skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad for Chennai.
Chennai Super Kings looking to recoup their core team
On Thursday, Chennai Super Kings retained skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ravindra Jadeja for INR 18 crores each. Their other retentions were pacer Matheesha Pathirana, all-rounder Shivam Dube and former skipper MS Dhoni as an uncapped player.
As per various reports doing the rounds, Chennai could be on the lookout to draft in their former stars. The men in yellow are showing interest in bringing back Deepak Chahar along with Shardul Thakur. Kiwi duo Mitchell Santner and Rachin Ravindra could also be seen playing in Chepauk during the IPL 2025 season.
Ashwin had stated his desire to head back to Chennai to see out his IPL career. The 38-year-old played a key role in his team winning the titles in 2010 and 2011. The right-arm off-spinner had also played the IPL finals in 2013 and 2015 losing to Mumbai Indians on both occasions. If this happens then it will be a sweet homecoming for Ashwin who is on the last legs of his cricket career.