Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) difficult start to IPL 2026 has not only disappointed fans but also struck a deep emotional chord with one of the franchise’s most iconic former players, Ravichandran Ashwin. After CSK slumped to their third straight defeat – a heavy 43-run loss to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) – Ashwin didn’t hold back while sharing his thoughts.

“I could have played more” : R. Ashwin

Speaking on his YouTube show, the veteran spinner reflected on both the team’s current struggles and his own emotional journey with the franchise. His words carried a mix of concern, frustration, and lingering pain from his final season in CSK colors.

Ashwin revealed that stepping away from the IPL wasn’t purely a physical decision. In fact, he admitted he still had more cricket left in him. “Honestly, in my mind, I could have played more, because emotionally, I just did not have the bandwidth to play,” he said.

Looking back at CSK’s disappointing 2025 season – where the team finished at the bottom of the table – Ashwin described the experience as deeply unsettling. “I don’t want to go there, it’s mentally disturbing. It was very painful for me,” he confessed.

For him, retirement became a way to move on from that emotional burden while also easing the pressure on the franchise management. It wasn’t just about form or fitness – it was about mental space and peace of mind.

Tactical concerns and growing questions around CSK

While Ashwin’s reflections were personal, he didn’t shy away from analyzing what’s going wrong with the current CSK setup. One of his biggest concerns was the team’s decision-making, which he believes lacks the clarity and consistency the franchise has been known for over the years.

“All of this does not happen in the CSK that I know,” Ashwin remarked, highlighting how unusual some of the recent choices have been.

He specifically pointed out the underuse of certain players, including big-money signings who haven’t been given enough opportunities. For instance, he questioned why Prashant Veer, despite being a high-value pick, wasn’t trusted to bowl even when others were struggling.

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Ashwin also criticized the bowling strategies, particularly against RCB. He felt that forcing bowlers like Jamie Overton and Anshul Kamboj to execute wide yorkers backfired badly. “You are making him bowl wide yorkers from around the stumps. Tim David smashed them hard,” he explained, referring to the onslaught that followed.

Another area of concern for Ashwin was CSK’s transition towards a younger squad. While he acknowledged that building for the future is necessary, he questioned whether the current environment is helping these players grow.

“These young boys, you have to give them good practice, you have to give them intensity, you have to give them atmosphere from here on. How are they going to do this?” he asked.

According to Ashwin, talent alone isn’t enough – players need the right support system, confidence, and clarity in roles. Without that, even promising youngsters can struggle to perform consistently.

The loss to RCB only amplified these concerns. Bengaluru posted a massive 250/3, with explosive contributions from Tim David, Rajat Patidar and Devdutt Padikkal. CSK, in reply, never truly found their footing after losing early wickets.

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