Ashwin Recalls Dhoni’s Masterstroke With New Ball In IPL 2010

March 18, 2025: Ravichandran Ashwin, former Indian cricketer, recently expressed his deep gratitude to MS Dhoni for bringing him back to the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) franchise ahead of the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. The two-time IPL champion recalled how Dhoni had played a key role in utilizing him with the new ball during his early days in the IPL.

Ashwin was speaking at the launch event of the book Leo — The Untold Story of Chennai Super Kings, authored by senior advocate and former Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) vice-president PS Raman. The event, held on Sunday, was attended by CSK stars MS Dhoni, Stephen Fleming, Mike Hussey, and former cricketer Kris Srikkanth. Ashwin was also felicitated at the event.

Reflecting on his journey with CSK, Ashwin remembered his debut IPL season in 2009, when Dhoni first noticed his potential. After playing only two games, Dhoni reached out to Ashwin on Facebook and told him that he would be well-utilized in the upcoming season. However, after a string of poor performances and an injury to Dhoni, Ashwin lost his form. When both made comebacks, Dhoni gave Ashwin the opportunity to bowl with the new ball during a crucial match against Mumbai Indians.

Ashwin recalled, “When we both made our comebacks, I got my first initiation of bowling with the new ball against Mumbai Indians in front of Sachin Tendulkar. Dhoni gave me the new ball, shrugged his shoulders, and left. He does not give you many words, but he asked me if I could get Kieron Pollard out (while defending 166 for CSK). As luck would have it, Pollard skied one in the air on one of my deliveries, and Thilan Thushara, Murali Vijay were involved in one of the most bizarre catches ever.”

Ashwin acknowledged the role of luck in his cricketing journey and life. He also mentioned how, during his 100th Test against England at Dharamsala, he wanted Dhoni to present him with a memento as a sign of appreciation for his career. Though Dhoni couldn’t make it, Ashwin said that the true gift from Dhoni was the opportunity to return to CSK for the 2025 season.

Former cricketer Kris Srikkanth praised Dhoni for recognizing Ashwin’s talents and helping him develop into a versatile bowler across formats. He also reflected on Ashwin’s journey from a young cricketer in Tamil Nadu to becoming one of India’s leading spinners, with over 500 Test wickets.

CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan also reminisced about Ashwin’s early days, stating, “When we first met Ashwin, he was playing Ranji for Tamil Nadu in the early 2000s. We formed a great bond of friendship during the 2009 IPL in South Africa.”

Ashwin’s return to CSK marks an exciting chapter for the five-time IPL champions, who will kickstart their 2025 campaign against their arch-rivals, Mumbai Indians, on March 23 at Chepauk Stadium.