Former India player Ravichandran Ashwin opened up on old wounds after Royal Challengers Bengaluru defeated Chennai Super Kings on April 5. The defeat was CSK’s third successive in IPL 2026, raising concerns of another mediocre edition in the tournament.
Ashwin recalled a disappointing season with the five-time champions, which ultimately led to his retirement. The veteran spinner retired from all formats of cricket and decided to play in the overseas leagues.
Ashwin wanted to contribute to the Indian cricket team and CSK, but he was mentally drained.
“I had a disappointing season with CSK last season. I could have played more, but I didn’t have the capacity to carry on,” R Ashwin said.
He described the experience as painful. “I don’t want to discuss in detail, as it was mentally disturbing. It was painful. I started in Chennai, and I decided to end it in Chennai. I took retirement as it would have put the team management under pressure over whether to keep me or release me. CSK would have saved INR 10 crore if I had left. I am disappointed as I had expectations and hope,” he added.
Chennai invested in uncapped Indian players in the mini auction, with the likes of Kartik Sharma and Prashant Veer joining the franchise for over INR 28 crore.
“I knew RCB are going to win because of their team strength. However, I was confident of seeing improvement from the CSK. RCB have warned everyone with the way they are playing at the moment,” Ashwin concluded.
CSK batters are struggling to complete the task, and in the game against RCB, their bowlers conceded 250 runs. CSK will now take on the Delhi Capitals on April 11.
Chennai are last in the point table after losing to Rajasthan Royals, Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
