R Ashwin calls CSK return a ‘better gift’ from MS Dhoni, reveals retirement plan
Team Finance Saathi
17/Mar/2025

What's covered under the Article:
- R Ashwin reunites with Chennai Super Kings after a 10-year gap, picked for ₹9.75 crore in IPL 2025.
- Revealed he planned to retire after his 100th Test, but Dhoni bringing him back to CSK was a better gift.
- Ashwin joins Jadeja and Noor Ahmad, forming a strong spin attack for CSK’s IPL 2025 campaign.
In a heartwarming turn of events, R Ashwin has made his return to the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) after a gap of 10 years, reuniting with former captain MS Dhoni and teammate Ravindra Jadeja ahead of the 2025 IPL season. Ashwin, who had spent the past few seasons playing for franchises like Rajasthan Royals, Delhi Capitals, and Kings XI Punjab, was bought by CSK for a hefty ₹9.75 crore. Ashwin’s return to his home side has been a highly anticipated moment, especially as he is looking forward to once again donning the yellow jersey.
Ashwin’s Personal Milestone and the Dhoni Connect
Ashwin’s homecoming is significant not only for his career but also for his relationship with Dhoni. During a recent book launch event in Chennai, Ashwin revealed that he had wanted his 100th Test to be his final match, and he had even invited Dhoni to hand over the memento in Dharamshala. However, Dhoni was unable to make it. In a surprising twist, Ashwin admitted that Dhoni's gesture of bringing him back to CSK was a much better gift than what he had originally hoped for.
Ashwin shared his gratitude for this gift, saying, “I called MS Dhoni for my 100th Test in Dharamshala to hand over the memento. I wanted to make that my last Test. But he couldn’t make it. However, I didn’t think he would give me the gift of getting me back to CSK. It’s a much better one. So, thank you, MS, for doing it. I’m glad to be here.”
Ashwin further added, “Most importantly, I have come back to CSK not as someone who has achieved so much but as someone who has gone through the full circle and wants to come back here and enjoy just like before. It is a wonderful place to be.”
The IPL 2025 Spin Trio
Ashwin’s return to CSK is poised to bring a powerful dimension to the team’s bowling attack. Ashwin will join forces with Ravindra Jadeja and Noor Ahmad, forming a dynamic spin trio for CSK. Ashwin’s off-spin combined with Jadeja’s left-arm spin and Noor Ahmad’s skills will give CSK a formidable spin attack, one that could prove crucial for them in the upcoming season.
Interestingly, CSK splurged nearly double the bid amount when Gujarat Titans used a Right to Match (RTM) card to keep Noor Ahmad, showcasing the franchise's belief in this trio's potential.
Ashwin’s Retirement Plans and CSK Legacy
Having retired from international cricket midway through the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Ashwin is focused on enjoying the final years of his cricketing career with CSK. His return to his home side holds emotional value for him, as he aims to end his IPL career on a high note with CSK. While his retirement from international cricket marked a new phase, his passion for the game remains intact, and playing with his former and current teammates in CSK gives him a sense of fulfillment.
Ashwin’s experience and skills, combined with his chemistry with Dhoni and Jadeja, will likely make him a key figure in CSK’s campaign for IPL 2025. His return symbolizes a full-circle moment for both him and the franchise, and fans are eager to see him back in action.
Conclusion: A Strong Return for Ashwin and CSK
Ashwin’s reunion with Chennai Super Kings is not just about cricket but about the bond between the player and the franchise, and especially between Ashwin and Dhoni. CSK's squad for IPL 2025 is shaping up to be strong, and with Ashwin back in the fold, the team’s spin department will be one to watch. As Ashwin embarks on this new phase of his IPL career, he’ll be hoping to replicate his previous success and contribute to CSK’s quest for another IPL title.
With Ashwin, Jadeja, and Noor Ahmad in the mix, CSK’s spin attack promises to be one of the most exciting features of the upcoming IPL season.
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