IPL 2026: Chennai Super Kings-Ravichandran Ashwin breakup on the cards

There may not be any official confirmation yet, but recent developments within the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) camp suggest that former Indian cricketer, Ravichandran Ashwin, is likely to part ways with the Chennai-based franchise.

The exact reasons behind this anticipated separation remain unclear, but the off-spinner is believed to have made up his mind and reportedly conveyed his decision to the franchise. There is also a possibility that Ashwin has come to know of CSK's future prospects and is, thus, stepping away in his role as an all-rounder from the five-time champions' set-up.

According to reports from Cricbuzz, senior CSK officials and players, including former and current captains MS Dhoni and Ruturaj Gaikwad respectively, have been meeting in Chennai over the past few days, likely discussing their strategies for the upcoming season. Notably, CSK had a season to forget in 2025, where they finished last on the table, failing to qualify 

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Ashwin likely to give up on Academy role as well

As part of this development, the right-arm spinner is also expected to relinquish his role as Director of Operations at the CSK Academy. He has been serving this role for the past year or so, and should he join another franchise, maintaining his CSK affiliation could present a conflict of interest, something both the cricketer and the franchise would want to avoid.

Ashwin and his IPL journey so far

The Chennai-born, who has played 221 Indian Premier League (IPL) matches, has taken 187 wickets at an economy rate of 7.29, and scored 833 runs at a strike rate of 118. He is almost certain to find a new team ahead of the IPL 2025 season, where he featured in nine games for the five-time champions. The key question remains whether he will be traded to another franchise or enter the mini-auction pool for the upcoming season.

The 38-year-old was bought by CSK for INR 9.75 crore, marking his return to his home franchise after nine years away. Between 2016 and 2024, he represented Delhi Capitals (DC), Punjab Kings (PBKS), Rising Pune Super Giant and Rajasthan Royals (RR). The off-spinner began his IPL career with CSK, spending his first eight seasons (2008–2015) with the Dhoni-led side, making his debut in 2009.