Ravichandran Ashwin hasn't been at his top form in the Indian Premier League 2025 season, as Chennai Super Kings (CSK) failed to qualify for the playoffs for a second consecutive season in a row.
Ashwin was bagged by the Super Kings for INR 9.75 crores in the mega auction in Jeddah last year, but the trickster failed to contribute much after his homecoming.
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The spinner was involved in 9 matches this season, picking up just 7 wickets and maintaining an economy of 9.12 in the process, something way below his usual standards.
Ashwin was among the players to have failed for CSK in the bowling department, which ultimately forced the five-time champions to make an early exit from this year's competition.
With many believing that Ashwin is past his golden days and needs to be let go, the 38-year-old spinner decided to answer one such fan on social media.
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R Ashwin reacts to rude fan comment
Ashwin recently conducted a live session on his YouTube channel, with two other panellists, discussing the ongoing IPL season. A CSK fan took the opportunity to express his displeasure over the trickster's performance in the 18th edition.
On his YouTube live, the fan commented, "Hi dear Ashwin, with lots of love, please leave my lovely CSK family."
Replying to the fan, Ashwin said, "One thing that I can relate to is his love for the franchise. Let's not make one mistake. When you say something, please make sure that you're doing it in your best interest."
Ashwin mentioned that he understood the fan's feelings, and one bad season shouldn't define the love and interest the spinner has for the franchise.
"I understand what you're trying to say. I also have the same love and interest. Don't think that I'm going to let this campaign go to waste. What I have in my control. If you give the ball in my hand, I will bowl; if you give the bat, then I will bat."
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He further claimed that he has worked hard this season, and there are still some areas in which he would like to improve before going into the next season.
"I have put in a lot of hard work, and there are areas which I can work on, which I know very clearly. In the powerplay, I have given away many runs. To bowl in the powerplay, I have to create more options next year. This is the best I can do."
The legendary Indian spinner also reminded the fan that he loves the Chennai-based franchise way more than anyone else, as he has been part of the setup previously for 7 long years.
"I have the best interest of the team, and I love the team way more than all of you. I was with the team in 2009 and 2010. I have played for 7 years.
"I have qualified with CSK for the playoffs in the past. I have won the title. So, when I see a champion like this, I feel sad for the first time. I feel sad for that. That's why I'm sitting in a corner and crying. What to do next? This is my goal," the spinner added.
Ashwin hasn't played much cricket since his retirement in the midst of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024/25. The bowler revealed that he has 'enough punch' left in him as a cricketer previously, which will be interesting to see if the spinner can weave his magic again for the Chennai Super Kings next year if the franchise decides to retain him.