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The Indian Premier League (IPL) is set to witness a nostalgic reunion as Chennai Super Kings (CSK) gears up for the 2025 season. MS Dhoni and Ravichandran Ashwin, two stalwarts of Indian cricket, have been reunited once again under the CSK banner, evoking memories of their triumphant days together. This reunion is particularly significant as Ashwin returns to CSK after a decade, marking a new chapter in the franchise’s quest for its sixth IPL title.
A blast from the past: MS Dhoni and Ravichandran Ashwin era
Dhoni and Ashwin were integral parts of the CSK team that dominated the IPL landscape by winning back-to-back titles in 2010 and 2011. Their partnership on the field was a testament to the team’s strength and strategic depth. Ashwin, who made his IPL debut with CSK in 2009, played a crucial role in the team’s success during his initial stint from 2008 to 2015. His departure to other franchises, including Punjab Kings and Rajasthan Royals, left a void in the CSK lineup, but his return is expected to bolster the team’s chances in IPL 2025.
Ashwin’s homecoming to CSK
Ashwin’s return to CSK was sealed during the IPL 2025 mega auction, where he was acquired for a substantial sum of 9.75 crore rupees. This move not only marks a homecoming for Ashwin but also underscores CSK’s strategic intent to leverage his experience and skill set. Ashwin’s reunion with Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja is expected to create a formidable combination, especially given the slow and low-turning conditions at the Chepauk Stadium, which are well-suited to Ashwin’s off-spin bowling.
Ashwin’s emotional return to CSK has been met with nostalgia and excitement among fans. In a recent interview, he reminisced about his past experiences with the franchise, stating, “They say life is a circle. I played for them from 2008 to 2015. I am always indebted to them. Whatever I learnt at CSK then has propelled me this far in international cricket.”
He also expressed his gratitude towards CSK for fighting for him during the auction, much like they did in 2011, which he described as a “trip down memory lane” and a “very special feeling“.
Here’s the video:
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Celebrating team spirit
The reunion of Dhoni and Ashwin was further celebrated during CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan‘s birthday on February 27. Both players, along with captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, attended the festivities, highlighting the camaraderie and team spirit within the CSK camp. This event not only showcased the personal bonds among team members but also underscored the sense of unity and purpose as they prepare for the upcoming season.
The captaincy factor: Dhoni’s leadership
Dhoni is widely regarded as one of the greatest captains in cricket history, known for his ability to get the basics right and make strategic decisions under pressure. Ashwin, who has played under Dhoni’s leadership, praised his former captain, saying, “MS Dhoni gets the basic things right, which many other captains miss.” This leadership quality is expected to play a crucial role in guiding the team through the challenges of IPL 2025.
A new chapter for CSK
As CSK begins its IPL 2025 campaign with a high-profile match against Mumbai Indians on March 23, the team is filled with optimism. The reunion of Dhoni and Ashwin, combined with the leadership of Gaikwad, presents a formidable lineup that is capable of challenging for the title. The team’s preparations are well underway, with key players like Dhoni, Ashwin, and Gaikwad already joining the team camp. This early start is crucial in building team cohesion and strategy, especially with new additions like Ashwin, who will need to integrate seamlessly into the existing setup.
