Sun Nov 24 19:22:48 UTC 2024: ## Chennai Super Kings Splurge on Ashwin in IPL 2025 Auction

**Jeddah, Saudi Arabia:** The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) made a significant splash at the IPL 2025 auction in Jeddah on Sunday, securing the services of veteran off-spinner R Ashwin for a whopping ₹9.75 crores. This marks Ashwin’s return to CSK, where he previously played from 2009 to 2011, winning two IPL titles.

CSK also exercised their Right to Match (RTM) card to retain Devon Conway (₹6.25 crores) and Rachin Ravindra (₹4 crores). Further bolstering their squad, they acquired Rahul Tripathi for ₹3.4 crores, and added Afghan spinner Noor Ahmed for ₹10 crores, along with Khaleel Ahmed (₹4.8 crores) and Vijay Shankar (₹1.2 crores).

CSK head coach Stephen Fleming justified the high price tag for Ashwin, emphasizing his experience and versatility, stating that Ashwin’s emotional connection with Chennai made him a perfect fit. Fleming also highlighted the strategic acquisition of Noor Ahmed to address the team’s need for wicket-taking spin bowling in the middle overs. The additions, Fleming explained, provide crucial variations to CSK’s bowling attack, which he felt was lacking last season.

The team retained several key players, including Ruturaj Gaikwad (₹18 crores), Ravindra Jadeja (₹18 crores), Matheesha Pathirana (₹13 crores), Shivam Dube (₹12 crores), and MS Dhoni (₹4 crores). The Super Kings’ aggressive bidding strategy signals their ambition for the upcoming IPL season.

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