Former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin reminisced about his first experience opening the bowling in the powerplay for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) ahead of his return to the franchise for IPL 2025. The 38-year-old, who debuted for CSK in 2009, played only two matches that season as the team exited in the semifinals.
However, Ashwin became a regular in the XI during IPL 2010, emerging as one of MS Dhoni’s key bowlers. He also played a pivotal role in popularizing spinners opening the bowling in T20s.
Ashwin recalled his 2010 debut with the new ball for CSK at the launch of ‘Leo – The Untold Story of Chennai Super Kings’ (via Hindustan Times): “Those were the days of Facebook chat, and I remember we spoke there (in 2009). MS said, ‘I wanna use you well next year’. I went in and it was quite bizarre, Dhoni got injured (in a match against KKR) and I lost my form for 2-3 games too.”
“When we both made our comebacks, I got my first initiation of bowling with the new ball against Mumbai Indians (MI) in front of Sachin Tendulkar. It was a huge game. Dhoni gave me the new ball, shrugged his shoulders and left.”
He further added: “He does not give you many words, but Huss (Mike Hussey), I remember, asked me, ‘Can you get Pollard out?’ (while defending 166 for CSK). I was a bit jittery. I just bowled the ball outside off stump and as luck would have it, Pollard skied one in the air.”
“Thilan Thushara, standing long off, came running all the way, and Murali Vijay crossed him from behind. It was one of the most bizarre catches ever. It hit Thusara’s hands, Vijay’s eyes were closed and the ball fell into his hands.”
“I’ve returned to CSK not as someone with great achievements”- R Ashwin
Ravichandran Ashwin shared his excitement about rejoining CSK for the 2025 IPL season. The 38-year-old was part of the franchise from the beginning of his career until 2015, playing a key role in their two IPL title wins.
“Most importantly, I have come back to CSK not as someone who has achieved so much but as someone who has gone through the full circle and wants to come back here and enjoy just like before. It is a wonderful place to be,” said Ashwin.
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