R. Ashwin is finally back in CSK after almost a decade. After an intensive bidding war, Ravichandran Ashwin was bought by Chennai Super Kings. 

The veteran spinner expressed heartfelt gratitude and shared his excitement about the opportunity to play alongside Thala once again, emphasising the inspiration he draws from being part of the iconic leader's team. He stated, “I am so glad to be back, to play alongside MS Dhoni, and of course, to play under Ruturaj Gaikwad. Thank you once again.”

The five-time IPL titleholder posted a video of Ashwin on their official X handle, “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,” the veteran spinner spoke in Tamil. 

“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."

The franchise bought him with a whopping Rs. 9.75 during the first day of the IPL 2025 Mega Auction at Jeddah on Sunday. 

From a base price of Rs. 2 Crore to a wild bidding of Rs. 9.75, CSK never left the fierce bidding to get a hold on their original “Super King.”

Ashwin continues, "Words like homecoming, price, etc., 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.” 

The emotional spinner added, “When I used to play for RR, I used to feel bad that I was 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.”

The seasoned spinner made his debut in the franchise in 2009 and was part of the team’s title-winning season in 2010 and 2011.

Previously, throughout the years, he played for Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings), Rising Pune Supergiants, Delhi Capitals, and Rajasthan Royals.