CSK ‘to free up purse for IPL 2026’ by releasing R Ashwin: Former India coach makes bombshell claim

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Out of the playoff race, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) find themselves at the bottom of the IPL 2025 points table, having secured just four points from 10 matches, with a dismal record of two wins and eight defeats.

Ashwin’s Underwhelming Season Raises Questions About His Future at CSK

Ashwin

Ravichandran Ashwin’s high-profile return to Chennai Super Kings for ₹9.75 crore in the IPL 2025 mega auction has so far failed to deliver the expected results. The veteran off-spinner has struggled throughout the season, managing just five wickets in seven matches at an expensive economy rate of 9.29. His form has been a reflection of CSK’s disappointing campaign, which officially ended with their elimination from the playoff race following a defeat to Punjab Kings.

After the loss, former India coach Sanjay Bangar weighed in on Ashwin’s future, suggesting that CSK may look to release him ahead of the IPL 2026 season. He pointed out that Ashwin’s hefty price tag could be a reason for the franchise to reconsider his retention as they look to free up funds and re-evaluate their squad balance. Bangar also mentioned Matheesha Pathirana as another player CSK might let go.

Meanwhile, Harbhajan Singh, another former India spinner, criticized CSK’s decision to underutilize Ashwin this season. He questioned the logic behind spending such a large sum on a player who wasn’t consistently used in key moments, highlighting a possible disconnect between team strategy and squad investment.

Ashwin’s Absence Sparks Criticism as CSK’s Poor Season Continues

Chennai Super Kings’ disappointing IPL 2025 season has not only seen them crash out of playoff contention but also raised serious questions about team selection—particularly the exclusion of veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin. Former India cricketer Harbhajan Singh strongly criticized CSK’s decision to bench Ashwin despite investing nearly ₹10 crore in him. “You didn’t pay INR 10 crore for Ashwin to bench him,” Harbhajan said, suggesting there may have been internal issues behind the scenes.

He further stated that CSK failed to adapt their team based on conditions. “Had Noor Ahmad, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Ravindra Jadeja played together against Punjab Kings, CSK could have won the match,” he added, pointing out the turning pitch and lack of strategic spin options.

Currently languishing at the bottom of the table with just four points from ten games—two wins and eight losses—CSK’s campaign has been marked by poor decisions, underperformance, and growing scrutiny. Ashwin’s limited appearances and underwhelming returns (five wickets in seven matches) have become symbolic of a season gone wrong for the franchise, with calls intensifying over his potential release before IPL 2026.

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