India’s star off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin could be eyeing a return to where it all began for him with a potential comeback to the Chennai Super Kings. He has taken charge of the Chennai Super Kings High Performance Centre which is adding fuel to the rumour mill.
The CEO of the franchise Kasi Viswanathan in an interview with PTI revealed that the Indian international will be looking after the centre along with the v
arious academies that are present within the country and abroad.“Ashwin is one of the greats of India and Tamil Nadu and his presence will be a big boost to the high-performance centre and our academies,” he said.
The centre is located on the outskirts of Chennai.
Ashwin etched his name in the history books recently as he became the second Indian bowler to claim 500 Test wickets after the legendary Anil Kumble. He managed to get a big break on the international level after his performances for CSK during the 2008-2015 period.
Ahead of the 2025 edition of the Indian Premier League, franchises are set to take part in the mega auction where Ashwin could be going up for options. Since playing for Chennai, he has also gone on to play for the likes of the defunct Rising Pune Supergiants along with Kings XI Punjab (now renamed Punjab Kings), Delhi Capitals and most recently the Rajasthan Royals.
The CSK CEO was asked if the franchise could be eyeing a bid for Ashwin but gave a very cryptic answer leaving the door possibly open for a reunion.
Viswanathan said: “We can’t control what happens at the auctions. We will see what happens.”
Back in the India Cements family, Ashwin will also be eligible to play for its team in the TNCA first division.
For the CSK franchise, the legendary Mahendra Singh Dhoni was at his best in the finisher role for the side but his future with the team remains a topic of speculation.
“Only MS can decide for himself. We and his fans would wish for him play but it will ultimately it will be his call and we will respect that,” Viswanathan added.
Dhoni stepped down from the team’s captaincy at the beginning of this season, handing over the leadership role to Ruturaj Gaikwad.
