IPL 2025: “He should be dropped,” Kris Srikkanth calls for struggling R Ashwin’s exclusion from CSK’s playing XI

Ashwin has claimed five wickets at an economy rate of 9.90 in six matches for CSK so far.

Veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin was signed by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for Rs 9.75 crore in the IPL 2025 mega auction, marking his return to the franchise after a decade. However, he hasn’t lived up to the expectations so far, having claimed five wickets in six matches at an economy rate of 9.90.

CSK suffered a crushing eight-wicket defeat in their last fixture against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Chepauk, where Ashwin returned with the figures of 3-0-30-0.

Meanwhile, former Indian cricketer-turned-commentator Kris Srikkanth has called for Ashwin’s exclusion from CSK’s playing XI in the next match.

"I thought we had a gun bowling line-up. I thought CSK would make it difficult for visiting teams in Chennai with their three world-class spinners. We all believed CSK would rely on their bowling attack to win matches after posting totals around 180 at home," Srikkanth said while speaking on his YouTube channel.

"That plan has completely gone south. Ashwin is bowling terribly. He's bowling very, very poorly. I'm unsure if Ashwin will be in the XI for the next game after bowling like this. If you ask me, he should be dropped," he added.

According to the 1983 World Cup-winner, Ashwin will realise the value of his place in the playing XI once he is dropped. He also reckons Ravindra Jadeja needs to raise his game as the left-arm spinner has been performing poorly.

"I've always backed Ashwin. But now, I want him dropped. Let him sit out for a couple of matches - only then will he understand the value of his place. Only then will he come back stronger," Srikkanth said.

"Jadeja isn't at his peak. Ashwin is bowling terribly. I want him dropped. But I'm not sure if CSK will actually go through with it. LSG, their next opponents, have quite a few left-handers. It remains to be seen whether CSK will make a bold call and leave him out," he remarked.

CSK had pinned high hopes on their spin trio of Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Noor Ahmed - expecting it to be a lethal force in IPL 2025. However, it's only Noor who has delivered consistently for the team.

The Afghan wrist-spinner has already claimed 12 wickets this season, while Ashwin and Jadeja have managed just seven between them across six matches.

As things stand, CSK are languishing at the bottom of the 10-team points table with only victory from six outings. The five-time champions will next face Lucknow Super Giants at the Ekana Cricket Stadium on Monday (April 14).