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Amidst intense speculation surrounding his future at Chennai Super Kings (CSK), veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has finally addressed rumours about his possible departure from the franchise ahead of the IPL 2026 retention window. With CSK management tight-lipped and media reports swirling, Ashwin’s comments have come as the most direct source of clarity for fans and cricket analysts.
Ravichandran Ashwin seeks clarity from Chennai Super Kings
The rumours of Ashwin’s exit gained momentum following CSK’s disappointing IPL 2025 campaign, finishing tenth on the points table, and reports from reputed outlets suggested Ashwin had informed CSK about his desire to part ways. Speaking on his YouTube channel “Ash Ki Baat,” Ashwin tackled the subject head-on during an interview with sports journalist Vimal Kumar.
“After every season, it’s the responsibility of the franchise to communicate to the player if they’re retaining or releasing him,” Ashwin asserted. He emphasized that while news about his and other players’ futures was making the rounds, none of it originated from the players themselves. “Every player seeks clarity. As things stand, it’s not in my hands. I’ve just asked for clarity,” he said, highlighting the importance of transparent communication between the team and its roster, especially for veteran players with significant salary profiles.
Ashwin’s performance in IPL 2025 and trading rumours with Sanju Samson
The 38-year-old, who was re-signed by CSK for ₹9.75 crore at the 2025 IPL mega auction, struggled to match expectations, managing just seven wickets and 33 runs in nine matches—statistics described as falling short of the hefty price tag by some pundits and former players. S Badrinath, ex-CSK stalwart, publicly suggested Ashwin’s release might be a strategic move. “In the IPL, you need to see price point and the player. He is definitely not at his peak. That is why I have been maintaining from the start that Ashwin has to be released,” Badrinath said, giving voice to concerns about the franchise’s financial and roster strategy.
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Ashwin, himself, acknowledged CSK’s need to plan prudently for new acquisitions, hinting at the complex salary cap environment. With trade rumours involving big names like Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson, Ashwin said, “If CSK wants a player worth 18 crore, they need to have that amount. They have to release players worth 18 crore, or trade off players worthy of that amount. I’m not saying this is happening because I’ve zero knowledge. A lot of meetings have been going on to decide what will happen.”
Adding levity to the uncertainty, Ashwin shared a playful exchange with Samson on his YouTube channel, joking about swapping places. “I am happy to stay back in Kerala. There are a lot of rumours going on. Neither do I know of anything,” he laughed, with Samson joining in the banter. This tongue-in-cheek chat brought a lighter tone to the otherwise serious discussions about player futures and team reshuffling, further fuelling fan interest on social media.
With more than two months remaining before the IPL retention cut-off, CSK management has reportedly initiated talks with Ashwin regarding his future role. “It is early stages to decide on any player’s future. The cut-off date for retention is yet to be announced. So we have time,” an IPL source stated to India Today, suggesting that mutual discussions will guide forthcoming decisions about player retention or release.
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