Why did CSK buy Ravichandran Ashwin at a higher price than Dhoni, coach Fleming told the inside story

IPL 2025 Mega Auction is taking place in Jeddah city of Dubai. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) has once again included Ravichandran Ashwin in its team after years. Fans of Chennai Super Kings are surprised as to why the franchise has paid more money to Ravichandran Ashwin than Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Bought from Mahendra Singh Dhoni (MS DHONI) at almost double the price.

Team coach Stephen Fleming himself has revealed why Chennai Super Kings (CSK) paid Ashwin more money than Mahendra Singh Dhoni (MS Dhoni). He has clearly explained what is the team's strategy behind doing this.

Chepauk pitch is the home pitch of Ravichandran Ashwin. Ashwin has played a lot of matches on this pitch, Chennai Super Kings, captained by Mahendra Singh Dhoni, bought Ravichandran Ashwin and made him a part of their team in 2009, during which he performed brilliantly for the team in IPL 2010 and IPL 2011. Played an important role in helping the team win.

Now the strategy of Chennai Super Kings is also to take advantage of Ashwin's experience, because Chennai Super Kings have to play half the matches on this pitch. If the Chennai Super Kings team wins all its home matches, then it is certain to play the final.

CSK coach Stephen Fleming told the inside story

Ravichandran Ashwin was bought by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the IPL 2025 mega auction for Rs 9.75 crore, while Dhoni was retained by the franchise for Rs 4 crore. Now Chennai Super Kings coach Stephen Fleming revealed the reason behind this and said in the press conference, “It is like a homecoming for Ashwin, but he is a world class bowler. As Venky (Mysore) said, their concern is not about price. You see how someone fits into the team and Ashwin has an emotional attachment with Chennai, so he will fit in well.”

Stephen Fleming further said in his press conference that “He is an excellent spinner and his figures are excellent. He is towards the end of his career, but with his immense experience and batting experience as well, I think we can use him in many ways.”