IRajasthan Royals (2022–2024)
In 2025, CSK brought him back into the fold for a hefty INR 9.75 crore, signaling a homecoming after nearly a decade. However, his second stint with the franchise was relatively quiet—Ashwin featured in just nine matches that season.
As we approach IPL 2026, it seems almost certain that Ashwin will find a new home. The only question that remains is: Will he be traded to another franchise, or will he enter the mini-auction pool? Either way, at 38 years old, he still brings immense experience and value to any T20 setup.
s Ravichandran Ashwin Set to Leave CSK Ahead of IPL 2026?
The buzz around the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) camp is getting louder, and it revolves around none other than veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin. While there has been no official announcement yet, recent developments strongly hint at a potential split between CSK and Ashwin ahead of IPL 2026.
What’s Fueling the Speculation?
Ashwin, a Chennai-born cricketer and a former key player for CSK, has reportedly conveyed his intention to part ways with the franchise. Although the details are not public, sources suggest that Ashwin may have made a personal decision based on internal discussions or strategic shifts within the team.
He is known for being a thoughtful cricketer—one who weighs his roles carefully. It’s possible that Ashwin has received some insight into CSK’s future plans, possibly including team combinations, player roles, or long-term strategies, which may not align with his expectations or ambitions.
Unclear Reasons, but Strong Signals
The exact reason for this anticipated breakup remains under wraps, and neither Ashwin nor CSK has issued an official statement. However, cricket insiders believe that this is not just a casual rumor. Ashwin is said to be firm in his decision, suggesting that he has already made peace with stepping away from the team that he once played a vital role in.
It’s important to note that Ashwin had rejoined CSK in a different capacity after stints with other franchises, including Rajasthan Royals and Delhi Capitals. He played as an experienced all-rounder, bringing both skill and leadership to the side. But if current reports are true, that chapter might be coming to a close.
What This Means for CSK and Ashwin
For CSK, losing a seasoned player like Ashwin could mean a shift in the team’s tactical approach, especially with the franchise possibly grooming younger spinners for the future. For Ashwin, this could be a chance to either explore a new IPL team or step into a non-playing role, such as mentoring or commentary.
Whatever the outcome, this potential separation adds another layer of intrigue to IPL 2026’s pre-season drama.
Key Meetings Hint at Major Changes Within CSK
Adding fuel to the speculation around Ashwin’s departure, reports from Cricbuzz indicate that senior CSK officials and players have been holding closed-door meetings in Chennai over the past few days. These meetings have reportedly included both MS Dhoni — the iconic former captain — and Ruturaj Gaikwad, who led the side in IPL 2025.
While there’s no official word on the agenda, it’s widely believed that these discussions are centered around strategic planning and potential restructuring ahead of IPL 2026. And with Ashwin’s rumored exit making headlines, it’s likely that player retention and squad balance were key topics on the table.
A Season to Forget in 2025
Let’s not forget, CSK endured a disastrous 2025 IPL campaign, finishing at the bottom of the points table — a rare sight for the five-time champions. The team struggled to find rhythm, faced injury setbacks, and lacked consistency in both departments.
Failing to qualify for the playoffs was a serious blow to the franchise’s legacy, and it seems CSK’s think tank is now keen on making bold moves, perhaps even letting go of experienced players like Ashwin to rebuild a more agile and youthful core for the future.
Ashwin Likely to Step Down from CSK Academy Role Too
In what seems to be a wider disassociation from the Chennai Super Kings setup, Ravichandran Ashwin is also expected to relinquish his position as Director of Operations at the CSK Academy, a role he has held for over a year.
This move, while not yet officially confirmed, aligns with the growing indications of his exit from the franchise. Should Ashwin join another IPL team, retaining a formal affiliation with CSK—even through its academy—could raise conflict of interest concerns, especially given the professional boundaries laid out by the BCCI and IPL governance.
Both Ashwin and the franchise are reportedly on the same page about avoiding any such complications, which makes his departure from the academy role highly probable.
This further strengthens the belief that Ashwin’s journey with CSK, both on and off the field, may be coming to an end ahead of IPL 2026.
Ashwin and His IPL Journey So Far
Ravichandran Ashwin’s IPL career has been nothing short of a rollercoaster, filled with memorable spells, tactical brilliance, and leadership roles across multiple franchises. Born in Chennai, the seasoned off-spinner has played 221 IPL matches, picking up 187 wickets at a tidy economy rate of 7.29. With the bat, he has contributed 833 runs at a strike rate of 118, showcasing his ability to play a supporting role as a lower-order all-rounder.
After making his debut in 2009 with Chennai Super Kings, Ashwin quickly became a key component of the Dhoni-led unit. He spent eight consecutive seasons (2008–2015) with CSK, during which time the team won multiple titles and consistently dominated the league.
Following CSK’s suspension from the IPL in 2016, Ashwin’s journey took him through several franchises:
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Rising Pune Super Giant (2016)
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Punjab Kings (2018–2019) – where he also captained the side
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Delhi Capitals (2020–2021)
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Rajasthan Royals (2022–2024)
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In 2025, CSK brought him back into the fold for a hefty INR 9.75 crore, signaling a homecoming after nearly a decade. However, his second stint with the franchise was relatively quiet—Ashwin featured in just nine matches that season.
As we approach IPL 2026, it seems almost certain that Ashwin will find a new home. The only question that remains is: Will he be traded to another franchise, or will he enter the mini-auction pool? Either way, at 38 years old, he still brings immense experience and value to any T20 setup.
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