IPL buzz: Ashwin in talks with CSK about future amid speculation of possible move

Senior Indian off-spinner R Ashwin is in discussions with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) about his future in the IPL franchise amid speculation that he might seek his release from the team.

With over two months still left before the deadline for retentions, Ashwin, it is reliably learnt, has had conversations with the CSK brass about his role going forward.

“It is early stages to decide on any player’s future. The cut off date for retention is yet to be announced. So we have time,” an IPL source said.

“It’s a pre-auction plan to hold discussions with players and Ashwin, being a senior, is part of it. It is a mutual discussion to understand his role in the team ahead of next IPL season,” he added.

The 38-year-old Ashwin, who retired from international cricket last year, was bought for Rs 9.75 crore in the mega auction before the 2025 season.

It was a homecoming of sorts for the Chennai-based player, who earlier turned up for CSK from 2009 to 2015.

He later went on to play for the now-defunct Rising Pune Super Giant and the then Kings XI Punjab (currently Punjab Kings) in 2018.

He played nine games in the season gone by, picking up just seven wickets in a largely disappointing season for the team as it finished fifth with seven wins and as many losses.

There are speculations that CSK might rope in wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson, who wants to leave his current team—Rajasthan Royals.

“We have certain players in our mind to add to our line up next season. But so far, we have not had discussions with anyone, as I said there is a lot of time for player retention etc,” the source said.