Ravichandran Ashwin, one of India’s top cricketers, recently announced his retirement from international cricket after the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, concluding his career with 106 Test matches. Initially, he planned to retire after his 100th Test in Dharamsala but postponed it. He expressed disappointment that MS Dhoni could not attend to present him a memento during that match. However, he later considered Dhoni’s decision to re-sign him with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for the IPL 2025 as a better gift. Reflecting on his return to CSK, Ashwin expressed a desire to enjoy cricket again after his journey across various franchises.
Ravichandran Ashwin, one of the standout cricketers of his era, concluded his international career during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. He retired as an Indian international player with 106 Test matches to his credit. However, this was not part of his initial plan. The experienced spin-bowling all-rounder had expressed his desire to retire after his 100th Test, which took place in Dharamsala against England, but he delayed that decision slightly. In fact, Ashwin had even invited his former captain, MS Dhoni, to attend the 100th Test, but unfortunately, he was unable to do so.
To commemorate Ashwin’s 100th Test, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) hosted a special ceremony where he received a memento. Nonetheless, Ashwin wished for that memento to be presented to him by Dhoni, who, regrettably, was not present.
During an event in Chennai, Ashwin shared that while he may not have received the memento from Dhoni for his 100th Test, he actually got an even greater gift when the former India captain facilitated his return to Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 auction.
“I reached out to MS Dhoni for my 100th Test in Dharamshala to present the memento. I intended for that to be my farewell Test. However, he couldn’t attend. Little did I know he would grant me the incredible gift of bringing me back to CSK. It’s much better,” Ashwin expressed during a book launch event in Chennai on Sunday.
“I called Dhoni for my 100th Test. I invited him to hand over memento in Dharamshala. I wanted to make that my last Test, but he couldn’t make it. What I didn’t expect was that he would give me an even better gift — bringing me back to CSK.” – Ash anna pic.twitter.com/25f8q7mkMY
— (@Vidyadhar_R) March 16, 2025
Ashwin, who began his IPL journey with CSK in 2008, made his return to the five-time champions for the first time since leaving after the 2015 season. Over the past decade, he has played for various franchises, including Punjab Kings, Rajasthan Royals, and Delhi Capitals.
“Most importantly, I have returned to CSK not just as someone who has accomplished a lot but as someone who has experienced a full circle and wants to come back and enjoy just like before. It truly is a wonderful place to be,” he added.
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