The experienced spinner Ravichandran Ashwin is open to parting ways with Chennai Super Kings if he is not in their future plans.
Ahead of the upcoming IPL season, there are reports that Chennai may release Ashwin. Amidst these ongoing discussions, the Indian spin all-rounder has asked the franchise for a clear message regarding his future in the team.
Ashwin has inquired about Chennai’s plans for him in the 2026 IPL. He is willing to end his association with the team if he’s not part of their strategy.
Chennai had brought Ashwin back during last year’s mega auction for nearly ₹9.75 crore. He played in 9 out of 14 matches that season, representing his hometown team after 8 years.
Ashwin had only played two matches in his debut IPL season in 2009. This was the first time he featured in fewer than 12 matches in a season. His bowling performance last season was below par — conceding 9.12 runs per over and taking just 7 wickets. It was the first time in the tournament that his economy rate exceeded 8.5 runs per over.
With the new season approaching, Indian media reports suggest that Chennai is considering releasing Ashwin. This uncertainty likely prompted the 38-year-old cricketer to seek clarity about his future.
The final decision on player releases usually depends on the auction schedule. The dates for the next IPL auction have not been finalized yet. While a mega auction is held every three years, mini auctions take place annually, generally between November and February.
So far, Ashwin has played 221 IPL matches and taken 187 wickets, ranking fifth among the tournament’s highest wicket-takers. After seven consecutive years with Chennai, he joined Rising Pune Supergiant in 2016, then played two seasons with Punjab Kings. He also had stints with Delhi Capitals (two seasons) and Rajasthan Royals (three seasons) before returning to Chennai last season.
