Ravichandran Ashwin admits he always wanted to play for RCB – Ravichandran Ashwin Reveals Surprise Interest in Royal Challengers Bengaluru
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A Shift in Perspective: Ashwin on His IPL Future
The Indian Premier League is often defined by fierce rivalries, none more prominent than the passionate, and at times heated, discourse between the fanbases of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). For years, a common refrain among the Chennai faithful has been the belief that no player truly wishes to leave the Yellow Army for the Bengaluru franchise. However, a recent admission by one of the game’s greatest strategists, Ravichandran Ashwin, has challenged this long-standing narrative.
Ashwin, whose career has been inextricably linked to the Chennai Super Kings, recently spoke candidly about the IPL 2025 mega-auction. While he was ultimately picked up by CSK, the veteran spinner acknowledged that his professional outlook was far broader than his legendary association with his home franchise.
The Appeal of New Horizons
Ashwin revealed that his professional journey would have been met with equal enthusiasm had he landed at either the Rajasthan Royals or the Royal Challengers Bengaluru. This revelation is particularly significant given the historical friction between CSK and RCB supporters. By expressing an openness to join the Bengaluru side, Ashwin has effectively dismantled the myth that the franchise is an unattractive destination for seasoned professionals.
“If I want to join any other team than CSK, then it’s RR or RCB. Had RR picked me instead of Chennai in that mega auction, I would have been very happy,” Ashwin stated. He went on to add, “If they both didn’t pick me up and RCB did, then too I would have been happy. It is due to two reasons: I have done some good bowling, and I have some great memories here, and I get some great encouragement from the crowds in those stadiums.”
A Career Defined by Versatility
Throughout his illustrious career, Ravichandran Ashwin has been the ultimate journeyman, showcasing his adaptability across five different IPL franchises. While his peak years are often associated with the tactical brilliance of the Chennai Super Kings, his resume includes stints with the Rising Pune Super Giants, Punjab Kings, Delhi Capitals, and the Rajasthan Royals. This experience has provided him with a unique perspective on the league’s dynamics that few others possess.
Looking back at his statistics, Ashwin’s impact on the IPL is undeniable. Spanning from his debut in 2009 through his retirement in 2025, he played 221 matches, claiming an impressive 187 wickets. His ability to influence the game with both the ball and his astute cricketing brain made him a valuable asset for every side he represented. Beyond his individual success, he was a regular fixture in high-stakes matches, appearing in four IPL finals across his time with Chennai, Delhi, and Rajasthan.
Reflecting on the Legacy
The sentiment expressed by Ashwin highlights the professional maturity of a player who has evolved alongside the league. While his two titles with CSK (2010 and 2011) remain the crowning moments of his domestic career, his appreciation for the atmosphere at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium—home of the RCB—and his positive memories with the Rajasthan Royals speak to a deep respect for the sport and its fans beyond club loyalties.
As the IPL continues to evolve, stories like these remind us that the players themselves often view the league through a lens of professional growth and mutual respect. For the fans, the rivalries remain intense, but for legends like Ravichandran Ashwin, the beauty of the IPL lies in the opportunity to experience the game in different environments, under different banners, and in front of the most passionate crowds in world cricket.
This revelation serves as a poignant reminder that while franchises provide the structure, it is the players’ willingness to embrace new challenges that continues to drive the narrative of the world’s most exciting T20 league.