Veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin urged everyone to “leave him alone” amid uncertainty surrounding his future with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) ahead of the IPL 2026 retentions. His remarks followed reports suggesting the 38-year-old could part ways with the franchise less than a year after rejoining the five-time champions at the IPL 2025 mega auction.
According to reports, the all-rounder has also opted to step down as Director of Operations at the CSK academy, a role he has held since June 2024. Ashwin endured a below-par IPL season last year, managing seven wickets and 33 runs (across four innings) in nine matches. CSK had acquired his services for a hefty ₹9.75 crore at the mega auction.
Speaking on Monday, August 11, via his YouTube channel Ash Ki Baat, Ashwin said:
“Arey, mujhe chor do yaar (Please leave me alone with folded hands gesture). Mujhe khusi se rehne do yaar (Guys, let me live happily).”
Ashwin also addressed if he could be part of a CSK–RR trade involving skipper Sanju Samson. He added:
“I became a CSK player at ₹9.75 crore last year, and Sanju Samson’s price is ₹18 crore at RR. Correct? Now, if CSK wants a player worth ₹18 crore, they need to have that amount. Okay, so CSK has to release players worth ₹18 crore, or they have to trade off players worthy of ₹18 crore. You can trade to RR or somewhere else.”
“Now, I am not saying this is happening because I’ve zero knowledge, because it’s conflicted. I have been working a little in the CSK academy, so I don’t know the inside news. A lot of meetings have been going on to decide what will happen,” he added.
“Franchise Must Communicate With Players”: R Ashwin Seeks CSK Clarity On Retention Rules
Ravichandran Ashwin cited his former IPL team, Rajasthan Royals (RR), as an example while outlining the retention rules. He also sought clarity from Chennai Super Kings about his future in the squad. In the same video, the Chennai-born cricketer said:
“When I played for RR, after completing 1-year, the RR CEO mailed about a performance review… We are so and so, we are expecting this, and we are renewing your contract next year. Like this, every year, it’s a 1+1+1 contract.”
“So, every year after the contract ends, it’s the franchise’s duty to tell players if they’re retaining or releasing them. In my case, with Sanju as cover, there should be clarity on interest or non-interest. I’ve only asked for clarity as nothing is in my hands,” Ashwin concluded.
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