Ravichandran Ashwin Returns To CSK’s Playing XI After 3,590 Days

9 years, 9 months and 29 days. That’s the time Ravichandran Ashwin spent away from the playing XI of Chennai Super Kings (CSK), his home franchise and the side that helped him attain superstardom in his career. 

But the wait is over. After nearly a decade, Ashwin is back in CSK colours again, having been named in the Playing XI for the side’s all-important clash against Mumbai Indians at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

May 24, 2015, was the last time Ashwin appeared in CSK colours, and that was incidentally against MI. While that clash came in the final of the tournament, which Mumbai ended up winning, this one will be coming in the Super Kings’ first clash of the season. 

It’s one of the most awaited homecomings in the competition’s history, and it was made possible through the determination of CSK, who purchased the veteran for INR 9.75 cr. 

Post leaving CSK, Ashwin represented Rising Pune Super Giants (RPSG) before moving to Punjab Kings (PBKS) and captaining that franchise. He then moved to Delhi Capitals (DC), after which he was purchased by the Rajasthan Royals at the IPL 2022 mega auction.

In his first stint with CSK, Ashwin played a total of 121 matches, taking 120 wickets at an E.R of 6.7. He was part of the side that won IPL 2010, IPL 2011, CLT20 2010 and CLT20 2014. 

CSK vs MI Playing XIs

CSK Playing XI

Ruturaj Gaikwad(c), Rachin Ravindra, Deepak Hooda, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Sam Curran, MS Dhoni(w), Ravichandran Ashwin, Noor Ahmad, Nathan Ellis, Khaleel Ahmed

MI Playing XI 

Rohit Sharma, Ryan Rickelton(w), Will Jacks, Suryakumar Yadav(c), Tilak Varma, Naman Dhir, Robin Minz, Mitchell Santner, Deepak Chahar, Trent Boult, Satyanarayana Raju