Former India spinner R Ashwin has reportedly asked Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for his release ahead of the IPL 2026 auction. CSK had bought R Ashwin in the IPL 2025 mega auction for INR 9.75 crores.

However, the 38-year-old Tamil Nadu spinner had a terrible season, taking just seven wickets in nine games. In what was his homecoming to the franchise, Ashwin failed to live up to the hype.

As per Cricbuzz, although the precise cause of the unavoidable split is not immediately apparent, it is thought that the veteran off-spinner has made up his mind and has informed the team of it.

The seasoned spinner, who has served as the Director of Operations at the CSK Academy for the past year, is expected to resign in what appears to be an unavoidable step. It has been learned that he is eager to prevent any conflict of interest that would arise from continuing in the CSK post if he were to join another franchise.

R Ashwin has had an amazing career in IPL, with 187 wickets in 221 games for five franchises. He played for CSK from 2009-2015 and for RPS in IPL 2016. He then moved to Punjab Kings as captain from 2018-2019.

Ashwin then moved to Delhi Capitals for IPL 2020 and 21 and then spent two seasons with Rajasthan Royals in 2023 and 2024. Finally, he moved back to CSK in IPL 2025.

Top CSK executives and players, including former and current captains Ruturaj Gaikwad and MS Dhoni, have been meeting in Chennai over the past few days, according to Cricbuzz. The franchise probably talked about its plans for the upcoming season.