Ravichandran Ashwin, a top Indian cricketer, wrapped up his international career during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy with 106 Test caps. He originally wanted to retire after his 100th Test in Dharamsala versus England and even asked MS Dhoni to be there, but it didn’t pan out.
The BCCI set up a special ceremony for Ashwin’s 100th Test, complete with a memento. Ashwin hoped Dhoni would present it, but Dhoni couldn’t make it.
At a Chennai event, Ashwin shared that while Dhoni missed his 100th Test, he got a better present: Dhoni got Chennai Super Kings to sign him for the 2025 IPL auction.
I asked MS Dhoni to give me the memento at my 100th Test in Dharamshala. I wanted that to be my last Test, but he couldn’t come. Still, he surprised me by getting me back to CSK. It’s a way better gift. So, thanks, MS, for making it happen. I’m glad to be here, Ashwin said in Chennai.
He also said, I wanted Dhoni to give me the memento, 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.”
Ashwin, who began his IPL days with CSK in 2008, is back with the team after leaving in 2015. In between, he played for Punjab Kings, Rajasthan Royals, and Delhi Capitals.
I’m back at CSK not because of what I’ve done, but because I’ve come full circle, and I’m here to have as much fun as I did before. It’s great to be here, he said.