Former Indian cricketer Krishnamachari Srikkanth believes that Chennai Super Kings (CSK) should part ways with veteran all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin to help the team rebuild for future title campaigns. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Srikkanth stated that he would support the move, arguing that in franchise cricket, the focus must be on winning championships rather than on a player’s legacy.
Ashwin’s return to CSK for the 2025 season was a disappointment for both the player and the team, which finished at the bottom of the table. The off-spinner managed only seven wickets at an economy rate of 9.13 and scored just 33 runs with the bat. Srikkanth acknowledged Ashwin’s brilliant career but emphasized that a team’s primary goal is success. “The last two years CSK have not qualified for the playoffs,” he noted, highlighting the need for a change in strategy.
Srikkanth suggested that by releasing Ashwin, CSK could free up a significant portion of their auction purse to invest in young talent who impressed late in the previous season, such as Ayush Mhatre and Urvil Patel. He believes the team’s batting core is promising, but strengthening the bowling attack will be crucial for a serious title challenge. Srikkanth concluded that, with the exception of players like Sachin Tendulkar or Virat Kohli, no one’s place in a franchise is guaranteed, and that this is the nature of “corporate cricket.”
