IPL 2025: Former India star makes bold claim on Ashwin's absence from CSK XI

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) became the first team to be excluded from the playoffs race in the ongoing IPL 2025.

Meanwhile, many fans and experts were surprised when the Yellow Brigade excluded experienced spinner Ravichandran Ashwin from its playing XI in some of the important matches. As a result, the veteran spinner could capture only five wickets in seven matches conceding at an economy of 9.29.

Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh has questioned why CSK dropped Ashwin after paying heavily for his services in the IPL auction, especially given the spin-conducive bowling pitches on offer in Chennai.

'Ashwin might have fought with someone'

"CSK did not select the team based on conditions. Had Noor Ahmad, Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja played together against Punjab Kings, Chennai Super Kings could have won the match against Punjab Kings," claimed Harbhajan in a recent interaction.

"You did not pay Rs 10 crore for Ashwin to bench him. I do not know why he is not playing, but it seems he might have fought with someone," he further said.

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"He is not the only one who has not performed. Others are still playing despite their ordinary performances, but Ashwin is out of the team. He should have played against Punjab, as the ball was spinning," he added.