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Ravichandran Ashwin seeks clarity from Chennai Super Kings on his future at Chepauk amid rumours of an exit
Ravichandran Ashwin has asked Chennai Super Kings for clarity over his future at the franchise amid reports of the spin legend parting ways with the five-time Indian Premier League (IPL) champions ahead of the next player auction. Ashwin had returned to the Super Kings after a decade earlier this year and made nine appearances in what was a forgettable season for the team, but now finds himself facing the prospect his name not featuring in CSK's retention list ahead of the auction.
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According to ESPNCricinfo, the veteran off-spinner has said he doesn't mind parting ways with the iconic franchise if he doesn't fit their plans. The development comes at a time when discussions on player trades are gaining traction on social media following the conclusion of a high-octane Test series between England and India.
Why Ashwin finds himself facing another exit from CSK
Ashwin, who had retired from international cricket in December in the middle of India's tour of Australia, didn't have a great run in the iconic yellow jersey in IPL 18, collecting seven wickets at an average of 40.43 and an economy of 9.13. The last of his nine appearances was against former franchise RR, in which Ashwin collected 2/41 from four overs as the Royals cruised to a six-wicket victory in their chase of 188 with nearly three overs to spare.
Despite thrashing Gujarat Titans in their final game of the season, CSK finished at the bottom of the IPL table for the first time in the league's history. The franchise thus is expected to make some tough decisions going forward and 38-year-old Ashwin could be among the players left out ahead of the mini-auction.
Ashwin was part of the Super Kings from 2009 to 2015, being a core member of the side that won back-to-back titles in 2010 and 2011 and finished runners-up in each of the next four season barring 2014. The off-spinner would continue playing under MS Dhoni's leadership at Rising Pune Supergiant in 2016 after CSK was handed a two-year suspension, but was not picked in the following season and wasn't part of the Super Kings' plans either when they returned to action in 2018.
Ashwin would then represent Punjab Kings (2018 and 2019), whom he had captained for one season, as well as Delhi Capitals (2020 and 2021) and Rajasthan Royals (2022-2024). He finally got his CSK homecoming this year after the franchise bought him for Rs 9.75 crore in last year's mega auction in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
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