R Ashwin has his say on possible return to Chennai Super Kings for IPL 2022 | Cricket - Hindustan Times
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Will Ravichandran Ashwin return to CSK? Spinner opens up on possible return to Chennai Super Kings for IPL 2022

By, New Delhi
Dec 18, 2021 07:57 AM IST

Ashwin, who was released by Delhi Capitals ahead of IPL 2022 auction, played 94 innings for CSK between 2008 and 2015 picking 90 wickets at 24.2.

The mega-action for the 2022 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) has thrown numerous possibilities - new captains, new franchises, new combinations and return to old franchises. The latter may not have a lot many options despite eight franchises retaining only four of their players ahead of the auction, but it remains among the most talked about topic. One of the possibilities in the latter category includes the return of veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin back to Chennai Super Kings and the bowler opened up on the possibility on Friday.

R Ashwin with MS Dhoni during the former's CSK days(BCCI)
R Ashwin with MS Dhoni during the former's CSK days(BCCI)

In reply to a fan's question on '40 Shades of Ash' on his YouTube channel, Ashwin admitted that the franchise remains close to his heart and hence would love to "come back home", but added that his return depends on the auction dynamics.

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"CSK is a franchise close to my heart, for me, CSK is like a school. That is where I joined Pre KG, LKG, UKG, primary school, then I did my middle school, and then starting high school and completing 10th standard board exams, I moved to a different school. I did my 11th and 12th a couple of, a couple of years, outside. Then I did a couple of years of Junior College. But after completing everything, obviously one has to come home right? So even I would love to come back home, but it all depends on the auction dynamics." he said

Ashwin was roped in by CSK for the inaugural season as an uncapped Indian. Ashwin had made his India debut in June 2010 against Sri Lanka. During his stay at the franchise until 2015, Ashwin played 94 innings picking 90 wickets at 24.2.

After CSK was suspended for two years, he joined Rising Pune Supergiant for 2016 and 2017 edition of IPL where he played 14 games to pick 10 wickets. CSK failed to pick Ashwin at the auction for the 2018 season, and the veteran joined Kings XI Punjab, where he played for two seasons and was also named the skipper for the 2019 season before being traded to Delhi Capitals ahead of 2020 season.

Ahead of the 2022 auction, Ashwin was released by the Capitals, who retained Rishabh Pant, Prithvi Shaw, Anrich Nortje and Axar Patel.

Explaing the auction dynamics for the 2022 auction which will feature 10 teams, Ashwin admitted that he will play to his full potential whichever team he joins for the 15th season.

"But I understand the fact that the auction dynamics is a different ball game. There are 10 teams, coming up with 10 different strategies. They will all think differently. We don't know which team's core playing XI we will fit into. So let's see what happens at the auction. But as a professional, wherever I go, the mindset is simple, any franchise is trusting you and spending so much money to avail your services, for them I'd give my entire life and put in all efforts and not let them down" Ashwin concluded.

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