Why Did CSK Fans Rejoice Ravichandran Ashwin's Omission From the Squad?
When a Legend Sits Out—and Fans Celebrate?!
Let’s be honest—seeing Ravichandran Ashwin benched isn't something that happens often. And when it does? You’d expect fans to be shocked or even upset. But on Monday night, something weird happened.
Chennai Super Kings fans… were actually rejoicing.
Yep, social media was buzzing—not with rage or confusion—but with relief and even celebration over Ashwin’s exclusion from the playing XI against Lucknow Super Giants.
So what really went down? And why did the Yellow Army embrace this bold move like it was a six from Dhoni in the final over?
Let’s break it down.
The Numbers Weren’t Lying
Look, Ashwin is a cricketing genius. There’s no denying that. But even legends hit rough patches. And in IPL 2025, Ashwin’s form was tough to defend.
Here’s a quick snapshot of his performance this season:
- Matches Played: 6
- Wickets Taken: 5
- Bowling Average: 39.60
- Economy Rate: 9.90
Now, if you’re a team already struggling—five losses on the trot, mind you—you can’t afford to carry underperforming players, no matter how big their name is.
The Srikkanth Slam: Brutally Honest or Justified?
When Kris Srikkanth speaks, people listen—especially when he’s tearing into someone with unfiltered opinions.
And he didn’t mince words about Ashwin.
“Ashwin is bowling terribly. He’s bowling very, very poorly. I’m not sure if Ashwin will be in the XI for the next game... If you ask me – drop him.” — Kris Srikkanth on Ashwin’s IPL form
That might sound harsh, but hey, sometimes tough love is what sparks change. And this time, CSK management actually listened.
Tactical Call or Desperate Move?
Let’s not forget—CSK were desperate to end a miserable five-match losing streak. Something had to give. So, they made a few bold choices:
- Ashwin out, Jamie Overton in
- Devon Conway benched, young gun Shaik Rasheed trusted at the top
Was it a perfect decision? Not exactly. Overton went for 24 runs in just 2 overs. But the Rasheed-Rachin combo up top? Gold.
They stitched a 52-run partnership that set the platform for Dhoni’s late blitz. And guess what? CSK finally won.
Coincidence? The fans didn’t think so.
Social Media Reacts: “We’re Actually Happy”
This is where it gets fascinating.
CSK fans weren’t upset about leaving out a veteran. They were actually… celebrating?
Here’s what one fan posted on X (formerly Twitter):
“My entire TL is celebrating Ravi Ashwin being dropped the same way we celebrated after getting him back in the auction.”
Oof. That’s brutal.
But it highlights something deeper—the CSK fanbase isn’t about sentimentality. They’re about results. And if that means dropping a big name to break a losing streak? So be it.
A Team-First Approach Over Star Power
This move sent a strong message—not just to Ashwin, but to the entire squad:
No one’s bigger than the team.
And fans absolutely loved that. CSK has always prided itself on unity, clarity of roles, and putting the collective above the individual. This call echoed that legacy loud and clear.
Plus, it gave youngsters like Shaik Rasheed a platform to shine—and boy, did he deliver.
FAQs: The Ashwin Omission, Answered
Q1. Why was Ravichandran Ashwin dropped from CSK’s XI?
ANS-Due to poor form—5 wickets in 6 games, an economy rate of 9.90, and an average nearing 40.
Q2. Did CSK win the match after dropping Ashwin?
ANS-Yes. They broke a five-match losing streak and defeated LSG.
Q3. Who replaced Ashwin in the playing XI?
ANS-Jamie Overton was brought in as a replacement bowler.
Q4. Why were CSK fans happy about Ashwin being benched?
ANS-Fans felt his form was hurting the team and appreciated the management’s team-first approach.
Final Thoughts: Change Isn’t Always Bad
Sometimes, tough calls lead to turning points. That’s exactly what this felt like.
Benching a legend like Ashwin was never going to be easy—but it was necessary. And CSK fans? They recognized that. They knew that to bounce back, the team had to prioritize form over fame.
Ashwin’s story this season isn’t over yet—but Monday night belonged to the ones who stepped up in his absence.
