Is R. Ashwin back on his team?

In a significant transfer move, R. Ashwin has once again joined India Cements, signalling a potential reunion with the Chennai Super Kings. As part of this agreement, Ashwin is poised to lead the Chennai Super Kings High Performance Centre, slated to be operational on the outskirts of the city before the next IPL season commences.

This transfer also hints at a strong possibility for Ashwin to re-join CSK during the major player auctions scheduled for later this year. Given the magnitude of these auctions, a direct trade-off between CSK and Rajasthan Royals seems improbable, as they wouldn't be able to retain him. However, if CSK fails to acquire Ashwin at the auctions, a post-auction trade remains a viable option.

Kasi Viswanathan, CEO of CSK, commented on the situation, stating, "That entirely depends on the auction dynamics because we cannot control it. We must wait and see if the opportunity arises." He emphasised Ashwin's immediate role in overseeing the High Performance Centre's cricketing operations and his participation in India Cements teams in the TNCA First-Division league.

Ashwin's return to India Cements has been anticipated for some time. Ahead of the IPL, during a ceremony honouring Ashwin's achievement of 100 Test matches and 500 Test wickets, N. Srinivasan, the owner of India Cements, expressed admiration for the cricketer and highlighted his future contributions to the company.

With the High Performance Centre on the horizon, CSK views Ashwin's involvement as pivotal in its development. Alongside existing academies worldwide, the HPC will serve as a centralized training hub for players from Chennai, Johannesburg, and Texas.

Expressing his commitment to advancing the game, Ashwin remarked, "Growing the game and contributing to the cricketing fraternity is my primary focus." He is expected to finalise his transition in the coming weeks upon returning from a brief hiatus.

Having made a mark with CSK during the 2009 and 2010 seasons, Ashwin's stint with the franchise propelled him into the national spotlight. After departing India Cements in 2016 to join Chemplast, he subsequently moved to Take Solutions in 2018, representing Dindigul Dragons in the Tamil Nadu Premier League.

This marks Ashwin's second tenure with India Cements and CSK, reuniting him with the franchise where he initially gained prominence and enjoyed significant success.