Ravichandran Ashwin hit a fresh low in his IPL career in 2025, playing only nine out of a maximum of 14 games for the first time. After a poor season and rumors surrounding a possible breakup with Chennai Super Kings, the old warhorse off-spinner has asked for clarification from the franchise.
While CSK had one of the most challenging seasons in 2025, Ashwin featured in nine matches, scalping seven wickets at an economy of 9.12.
"Last season, I featured in just nine games; in all the years I have played in the IPL, that was the first year I had played nine games. I used to play every single game for whichever team I was representing, so it was my first experience like this.". I sought clarity from my side, but I sought it in the middle of the IPL season," Ashwin disclosed on his YouTube channel, amidst speculation that he might be involved in a trade for Rajasthan Royals' Sanju Samson.
It's reported that Samson wants to leave after a long stay with the Royals.
"If Samson's trade does occur, CSK will need to keep 18 crores available, and then you need to look at who you can let go to create that space," Ashwin said. "If tomorrow I'm not part of the CSK side, it may suit them — no question about that. But it can't be all about me," he stated.
Ashwin also highlighted that while decisions aren’t solely up to the player, he believes it’s important to express his views regarding contract renewals or transfers.
Now, a player can make it clear that he does or does not want to renew the contract and thereby can ask for clarity. So in this case, where I am at present, I simply asked for clarity, which I had indeed requested after the season was over.".
"Nothing is in my hand at the moment. And all these rumors don't originate from the player. Take the case of Sanju, it was not him who opened his mouth. It was either rumors from here and there or from the franchise. And there are many layers to this," he said.
Ashwin went on to explain the intricacies of IPL transactions, which may consist of a combination of cash, player exchanges at par value, or pure cash trades.
"I joined CSK last year for 9.5 crores, and Sanju Samson's value is 18 crores with RR. If CSK wish to acquire an 18-crore player, they will need to keep 18 crores available, or they can outright trade with RR.". You could also trade elsewhere and just take him in a cash transaction. I am not saying this is occurring because I am torn on this issue. I work a bit with the academy and am working for CSK, so I don't have any inside information.
A lot of meetings occur, and decisions are reached there on what is to be done, and I have no present communication on it. Of course, I may request clarification — I have already done so previously: what my role will be, how I can improve, etc," he reaffirmed.
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