Ashwin thanks MS Dhoni for CSK return in stunning revelation: 'Invited him for my 100th Test to retire but...'

R Ashwin thanks MS Dhoni for CSK return in surprising revelation. (Photo: BCCI)

One of India's greatest of the modern generation, Ravichandran Ashwin retired from international cricket during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in 2024. Ashwin finished his career with 106 Test caps but that wasn't the original plan, revealed the former India spinner. Ashwin admitted that he wanted to retire from international stage after his 100th Test, which he played against England in Dharamsala. The veteran also told he asked former India captain MS Dhoni to be present but that could not happen.

For Ashwin's 100th Test, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had planned a ceremony in which he was also handed a memento. Ashwin revealed that he wanted to receive that memento from MS Dhoni which unfortunately could not happen.

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However, he said that while his wish of getting that memento from MS could not be fullfilled, Dhoni gave him a better gift by getting Chennai Super Kings to sign him for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season.

"I called MS Dhoni for my 100th Test in Dharamshala to hand over the memento. I wanted to make that my last Test. But he couldn't make it. However, I didn't think he would give me the gift of getting me back to CSK. It's a much better one. So, thank you, MS, for doing it. I'm glad to be here," said Ashwin during a book launch event in Chennai on Sunday.

"I called Dhoni for my 100th Test. I invited him to hand over memento in Dharamshala. I wanted to make that my last Test, but he couldnt make it. What I didnt expect was that he would give me an even better gift bringing me back to CSK. - Ash annapic.twitter.com/25f8q7mkMY
(@Vidyadhar_R) March 16, 2025

Ashwin began his IPL career with CSK in 2008 and now has returned to five-time IPL champions for the first time since his exit in 2015. Ashwin has played for various franchises over the last decade including Rajasthan Royals, Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings.

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"Most importantly, I have come back to CSK not as someone who has achieved so much but as someone who has gone through the full circle and wants to come back here and enjoy just like before. It is a wonderful place to be," he added.