IPL 2025: R Ashwin Thanks Dhoni for Bringing Him Back to Chennai Super Kings

Ravichandran Ashwin is set to wear the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) jersey again in IPL 2025 after nearly a decade. The veteran off-spinner, who last played for CSK in 2015, expressed his excitement about returning to his home team. He also thanked MS Dhoni, calling his comeback a special moment in his career.

Ashwin’s Emotional Return to CSK

Ashwin made his IPL debut for CSK in 2009 and played a vital role in their success before parting ways in 2015. Since then, he represented other franchises, but in IPL 2025, CSK secured him for ₹9.75 crore in the auction, bringing him back home.

Reflecting on his return, Ashwin said, “It feels like it’s 2011 again. You learn a lot, but one thing that stands out is that CSK has evolved yet remained an archive.”

He also highlighted how CSK has stayed true to its core values despite the modern changes in cricket. “Teams have changed so much, but CSK hasn’t changed one bit since I left in 2015.”

Ashwin’s Special Thanks to MS Dhoni

Apart from his IPL career, Ashwin has been a key player for Team India. In March 2024, he played his 100th Test match and had planned to retire from the longest format after that game. He even invited MS Dhoni to hand him a special memento.

However, things took a different turn, and Ashwin postponed his retirement. Thanking Dhoni for bringing him back to CSK, he said, “I wanted MS to be there for my 100th Test as I planned to make it my last. Unfortunately, he couldn’t come, but I didn’t think he’d give me a bigger gift—bringing me back to CSK. So thank you, MS.”

Ashwin’s Return Set to Thrill CSK Fans

Ashwin will now be back in Chepauk, ready to weave his magic once again. CSK’s first match in IPL 2025 is against Mumbai Indians on March 23, and fans can’t wait to see the off-spinner in action for his home team once again.