Harbhajan Singh Critiques CSK's Use of Ravichandran Ashwin in IPL 2025

Harbhajan Singh's Concerns Over CSK's Strategy

Former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh has voiced his disappointment regarding the Chennai Super Kings' (CSK) management for not effectively utilizing veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin during the IPL 2025 season.

The five-time IPL champions, CSK, have had a lackluster performance this season, becoming the first team to be eliminated from playoff contention. With only two wins and eight losses out of ten matches, they currently sit at the bottom of the points table.

Acquired for INR 9.75 crore during the IPL 2025 mega auction, Ashwin's return to CSK was highly anticipated. However, he has only participated in seven matches, taking five wickets at an unsatisfactory economy rate of 9.29.

In their recent match against Punjab Kings, which CSK lost by four wickets, Ashwin was surprisingly left out of the playing eleven, despite the pitch conditions favoring spin bowlers. Harbhajan expressed his frustration over this decision, criticizing CSK's management.

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Speaking on JioHotstar, Harbhajan remarked:

"Chennai did not select the team based on conditions. Had Noor Ahmad, Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja played together against Punjab Kings, Chennai Super Kings could have won the match. You did not pay Rs 10 crore for Ashwin to bench him. I do not know why he is not playing, but it seems he might have fought with someone."

He pointed out that while many players are underperforming, Ashwin remains sidelined. Harbhajan believes the team could have made better use of Ashwin's skills.

The former spinner further added:

"He is not the only one who has not performed. Others are still playing despite their ordinary performances, but Ashwin is out of the team. He should have played against Punjab, as the ball was spinning."

CSK's next match is against (RCB) at M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday. The last encounter between these teams at Chepauk saw RCB triumph over CSK, and MS Dhoni's side will be eager to avenge that defeat.