Ravichandran Ashwin, the seasoned all-rounder of Chennai Super Kings, recently found himself at the centre of a fan’s emotional appeal during a YouTube live session. A passionate supporter, disappointed by CSK’s underwhelming season, pleaded with Ashwin to leave the franchise, writing, “Hi dear Ashwin, with lots of love, please leave my lovely CSK family.”

The message, though sharp, came from a place of love for the franchise — something Ashwin himself deeply relates to. Ravinchandran Ashwin, ever composed, acknowledged the fan’s sentiment without dismissing the frustration.

“One thing I can relate to is his love for the franchise,” he said. “Let’s not get this wrong. When you say something, make sure you mean it in the best way. I understand what you’re trying to say — I have the same love and interest in CSK. If I’m handed the ball, I’ll bowl; if I’m given the bat, I’ll do my job. I’m not going to let this campaign go to waste.”

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Ashwin’s return to CSK, where his IPL journey first began, came with high expectations after he was bought for ₹9.75 crore. But the numbers tell a different story — just seven wickets from nine innings and an economy that stung particularly in the powerplay. The veteran off-spinner was candid in his self-assessment, admitting he couldn’t deliver when it mattered most.

“I’ve worked hard. I know where I went wrong,” he said. “I gave away too many runs in the powerplay. If I want to bowl in that phase, I need to create more options next year. That’s my focus moving forward.”

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CSK, too, endured one of their worst seasons in IPL history, winning just four of their 14 games. They finished last on the points table — a first for the five-time champions. Still, they ended on a high, thrashing Gujarat Titans by 83 runs, providing fans a glimpse of their old spark.