- By Namrata Vijay
- Wed, 08 Apr 2026 07:13 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
IPL 2026: Ravichandran Ashwin, ex-India and CSK spinner, reflected on what hurt him most during his forgettable IPL 2025 outing—being heavily criticized for allegedly sharing confidential information, a claim he denied. On his YouTube channel, Ashwin explained that the Rajasthan franchise wanted to retain him before the 2025 auction, but he withdrew to pursue an opportunity with CSK, the team where his IPL journey began.
However, things didn’t go in his favor, and this harsh reality hit him hard.
“It isn’t on anybody else, but just on me," Ashwin was quoted as saying on his YouTube channel.
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Ashwin, who had a forgettable outing for CSK, was slammed for CSK's finish at the bottom of the table during IPL 2025. His YouTube channel was also censored as star analyst Prasanna Aghoram slammed CSK's decision to use Afghanistan's Noor Ahmed as their preferred spinner instead of the veteran Ashwin, who had played just a few matches.
“The fans who elevate us with their fandom are the same ones who will criticize us when we are wrong. We must understand that reviews are about the match and not about the person," he added.
“CSK did not perform well last year, and I was criticized, and that’s okay, and I’ll have to deal with it. If they support me now, that is their affection coming out, and that too is fair play," he said.
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“I have learned to differentiate the two, but at the same time, I am also that guy who takes life as it comes. Cricket has fed me, and people know me enough to criticize me. That in itself I see as a victory," he revealed.
CSK has a benchmark. You are allowed to lose games in cricket. Especially in T20 cricket. But effort and intensity on the field matter," he added.
Ashwin admitted he was left heartbroken after being accused of disclosing confidential information, an accusation that deeply hurt him.
“I’ve played for RR, DC, and PBKS in addition to CSK, and I’ve done shows with players from the RR camp. But no one has ever accused me of leaking inside information. That really hurt me," he further said.
“I’m beyond that now, cause I know the basics not to let the team’s sanctum down. I don’t go to the meeting with the coach, the captain, or the team management. How would I have inside information?" he concluded.