With 212 IPL games, 700+ runs, and 180 wickets with his lethal spin bowling, R. Ashwin is considered a veteran and one of the most intelligent all-round spin bowlers India has ever produced. Whether it’s playing for the country or in IPL games, he has always snatched the limelight with his performances. Having played for five-time IPL champion team CSK, captained Punjab Kings, and now playing for Rajasthan Royals, he has been a key performer wherever he goes.
However, it is also true that with time, his performances are not as consistent as they once were. This could be the reason why, in the upcoming IPL 2025, he may not be retained by Rajasthan Royals. If this happens, the hunt could begin for him once again. This scenario also means that a few teams might be eyeing this opportunity and would like to grab him if Rajasthan Royals release this superstar. But which teams desperately need a spin bowling option and also a player who can bat fairly well? Let’s take a look at three teams who could bet on R. Ashwin in IPL 2025.
Teams that may target R Ashwin at the IPL 2025
LSG
With almost confirmed news of KL Rahul leaving Lucknow Super Giants, there is not only space for Ashwin as a player but also as a captain. LSG, who finished 7th with seven wins and seven losses, will now go through a revamp and may tie up Ashwin for the long term. LSG, which does have a few good spinners including Ravi Bishnoi, Krunal Pandya, and Amit Mishra, may find that Mishra is also not retained ahead of IPL 2025.
This means if they want to maintain experience, they will likely bid for Ashwin. It is also noteworthy that the pitch in Lucknow always favours spinners as it tends to be sluggish, and with the amount of home games the team will have, Ashwin has a fair chance of capitalizing on this.
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RCB
There is no question that RCB made a significant mistake regarding spin bowling, and they continue to suffer from it. The franchise released Yuzvendra Chahal ahead of the IPL 2022 mega auction, ending a seven-year association with the player.
This decision came as a surprise to RCB fans, and the results were shocking for the team after that they didn’t perform well and felt the loss of Chahal. The team desperately needed good bowlers, as was evident in 2024, when despite making big runs, they lost many games due to lacklustre bowling performances. Also, considering the M. Chinnaswamy ground, where bowlers usually don’t feel safe, it will be interesting to see how RCB approaches acquiring Ashwin, as experience on the field could be crucial.
CSK
There is no better word than “homecoming” for R. Ashwin, who might receive a call from Chennai Super Kings. There are various reasons behind this, including speculation that he could return to his former franchise, especially considering that last month he was seen motivating students at the CSK Academy. Also, in June, he became part of a CSK venture and will play for the India Cements team in the TNCA First Division. Ashwin, who had a marquee record with CSK from 2008 to 2015, played 79 matches and took 90 wickets with an impressive economy rate of 6.39. Given the current lack of good spinners in the team, there is surely a place for him. Among all the teams mentioned, CSK has a fair chance of roping him in for IPL 2025.
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