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Ashwin, who enjoyed an incredible spell with CSK before making it onto the international stage expressed his gratitude for the Chennai-based team and attributed a lot of his success to what he learned in yellow.
Ravichandran Ashwin. (X)
Indian all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin completed a homecoming as Chennai Super Kings roped in the homegrown spinner for Rs 9.25 Crore at the IPL Auction 2025 on Sunday.
Ashwin, who enjoyed an incredible spell with CSK before making it onto the international stage expressed his gratitude for the Chennai-based team and attributed a lot of his success to what he learned in yellow.
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“They say life is a circle,” the all-rounder began.
“I’m forever indebted to have worn the yellow jersey between 2008 and 2015. The things I learned at CSK helped me achieve what I have in international cricket,” he added.
He added how nostalgic he felt about Chennai bidding to bring him back to the MA Chidambaram Stadium, just as they had done over a decade ago.
“It has nearly been 10 years since I last played for CSK. I don’t know how to put it, but CSK picked me amid a lot of things, including price and homecoming. But what felt nostalgic was the manner in which they fought for me just like they did back in 2011,” the spinner added.
“It was a trip down memory lane, a very special feeling,” he reiterated.
He touched up on the incredible fan base the Chennai side enjoys and revealed how eager he is to perform in front of the passionate fanbase.
“I’ve seen a lot of the ‘Anbuden’ fan craze over the past decade,” he continued.
“When I was with Rajasthan Royals, it was difficult to play against CSK as nobody used to cheer,” the 38-year-old revealed.
“But, I’m looking forward to playing in front of that ever-growing fandom,” he stated.
Ashwin, one of the players thrust into the spotlight thanks to the confidence former India and CSK skipper MS Dhoni had in him, also spoke about his delight in reuniting with the World Cup winner.
“I’m so glad to be back and to play alongside MS Dhoni and of course under Ruturaj Gaikwad,” he concluded.
