In a dream deal for the fans, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) splashed INR 9.75 crore to sign veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin during the IPL 2025 mega auction on Sunday (November 24).

Ashwin returned home after a long gap of 9 years as CSK outbid Rajasthan Royals to secure his services. He started off his IPL career at CSK in 2009 and played a key role in the team’s title wins in 2010 and 2011.

The off-spinner was associated with the Chennai-based franchise till 2015 before joining the now-defunct Rising Pune Super Giants, followed by stints with the Punjab Kings, Delhi Capitals, and Rajasthan Royals.

CSK opened the bidding for Ashwin which sparked big celebrations in the crowd in Jeddah. Royal Challengers Bengaluru showed interest but were quick to withdraw after the bidding war got intense. Lucknow Super Giants also cooled off their interest after two bids but CSK and RR went toe-to-toe for the seasoned campaigner.

Ashwin was over the moon after bagging the deal with CSK, and he thanked the franchise for showing faith in him.

"They say life is a circle. From 2008 till 2015, I wore the yellow jersey and played for CSK and I am always indebted to them. Whatever I learnt at CSK, has helped me hugely in my international cricket journey as well till today. It's almost 10 years since I last played for CSK, 2015 was my last season with CSK. I don't know how to express it, I was picked by CSK again in this auction," Ashwin said in a video shared by CSK on X.

The 38-year-old also expressed his emotions on the prospect of reuniting with his first-ever IPL captain MS Dhoni and playing under the leadership of Ruturaj Gaikwad.

"Words like homecoming, price, etc., are there, but something that is very nostalgic for me is the fact that CSK fought for me in the same way that they fought for me way back in the 2011 IPL auction. It was a trip down memory lane for me. It is a very special feeling. I have seen a lot about our "Anbuden" fans on social media for the last 10 years. When I used to play for RR, I used to feel bad that I am playing against the CSK fans. They won't shout whether I am bowling or batting. Now once again, to play in front of the same fans, to play in front of that ever growing fandom, I am so looking forward to it. I am so glad to be back, to play alongside MS Dhoni and ofcourse to play under Ruturaj Gaikwad. Thank you once again," he remarked.

Ashwin has the experience of 211 IPL matches under his belt, claiming 180 wickets at an economy rate of 7.12 with the best figures of 4/34.