Former Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin has shared insights into his initial foray into the Indian Premier League (IPL), highlighting a remarkable performance in Chennai league cricket and the pivotal support from the late mentor VB Chandrasekhar. During an episode of JioStar’s ‘The Ravichandran Ashwin Experience’, Ashwin expressed gratitude for the individuals who significantly impacted his career, especially Chandrasekhar, who identified Ashwin’s potential during a time when finger spinners were often overlooked in T20 cricket.

Defining Matches and Initial Impact

Ashwin recounted a critical moment from his league days, speaking about a final match at Chepauk where he delivered a game-changing spell that drew the attention of decision-makers from Chennai Super Kings (CSK). “During the auction, CSK had already secured Muttiah Muralitharan, and I thought my chances were over. But in the final, I took six wickets. After being named Player of the Match, Kris Srikkanth remarked, ‘What, CSK didn’t pick you? Hey Kasi, take him,'” Ashwin recalled, reflecting on the significant turn in his career.

Support from VB Chandrasekhar

After the match, Ashwin received a call from Chandrasekhar, who encouraged him to invest in his development and recognized his potential. “He told me, ‘I’ve been watching you for five years… you’ll learn a lot. Learn as much as you can–you can go far, your attitude is good,’ and he offered me the contract,” Ashwin noted, emphasizing the mentorship that proved crucial for his career.

Success with Chennai Super Kings

Ashwin began his IPL career with CSK in 2008 and quickly became a vital asset for the team. He played a crucial role in the franchise’s achievements, contributing to their IPL victories in 2010 and 2011, as well as the Champions League T20 triumphs in 2010 and 2014. Ashwin later marked a return to CSK for the 2025 season at a fee of Rs 9.75 crore, making a comeback to the franchise where he first made his mark.

Contributions of Domestic Players

During his career, Ashwin acknowledged the importance of a robust team environment and exceptional management at CSK, which he attributed as key factors for their sustained success from 2010 to 2015. He mentioned the balanced squad and a supportive system that allowed players to concentrate solely on their performance, free from external distractions. Ashwin recognized the contributions of domestic players like Murali Vijay, Subramaniam Badrinath, and Shadab Jakati, who adapted well to their roles and enhanced the team’s overall dynamic.

Importance of Off-Field Support

Ashwin elaborated on the significance of CSK’s strong off-field support system, ensuring that players and their families were well taken care of throughout the season. He mentioned, “You didn’t have to worry about anything off the field. Family logistics, tickets, rooms, travel, everything was taken care of,” reinforcing the comprehensive support CSK provided its players.

Reflections on his IPL Career

As he concluded his IPL journey with CSK, Ashwin recounted, “When I got the chance to play for CSK again, the first thought was that I could finish where I started. I intended to play for 2-3 years. It didn’t happen; that’s a different story.” He expressed a desire to have played his final match at Chepauk, a venue that holds special significance for him. “My last IPL game was in Delhi. But if I had played at Chepauk, it would have been even better,” he added, reminiscing about the emotional connection he has with the ground.

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