- By Himanshu Badola
- Mon, 25 Nov 2024 08:16 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Chennai Super Kings, IPL 2025 Mega Auction: In an interesting turn of events in the IPL 2025 mega auction on Sunday, Ravichandran Ashwin returned to Chennai Super Kings after a gap of 10 long years.
Ashwin was bought by CSK at a promising price of INR 9.75 crore during the opening day of the auction as the five-time IPL champions looked to add players whose skill sets are suited to spin-friendly conditions at the Chepauk.
Having made his debut for CSK in 2009, Ashwin was a part of CSK's title-winning campaign in 2010 and 2011.
He played for CSK till 2015 before having stints at Rising Pune Supergiants, Punjab Kings, Kings XI Punjab, Delhi Capitals and Rajasthan Royals.
When asked about Ashwin's role in the upcoming IPL 2025, head coach Stephen Fleming said that the veteran spinner an be used in "a number of ways".
"It was a bit of a homecoming for Ashwin but he's a world-class bowler. As Venky talked about, it's not so much the price, you look at how someone fits in and there's an emotional attachment of Ashwin with Chennai, so it is a nice fit," Fleming said at a press conference.
"He has still got a very good skill set but the bowler's numbers are fantastic, he's obviously towards the latter part of his career but the experience that he brings is handy with the bat and we think we can use him in a number of ways," Fleming added.
Ashwin now is all set to pair with his former CSK teammate and current India bowling partner Ravindra Jadeja.
Apart from Ashwin, CSK also bought Afghanistan spinner Noor Ahmad, who has played in the IPL for Gujarat Titans, for Rs 10 crore.
On the other hand, the five-time champions also bagged the services of Devon Conway back and retained Rachin Ravindra as well before purchasing the likes of Rahul Tripathi, Vijay Shankar and Khaleel Ahmed.