IPL 2026: Top 3 Worst Releases by Chennai Super Kings in IPL History

2. Ravichandran Ashwin

Ravichandran Ashwin’s departure remains one of the most significant decisions in CSK history. A product of the franchise system, he rose to become one of the finest spinners in the tournament and played a major role in the team’s dominance during the early years. His control in the middle overs and tactical intelligence made him a priceless asset.

However, after falling out of India’s white-ball plans in 2017, CSK looked elsewhere in 2018 and brought in Harbhajan Singh instead of backing their homegrown star. Although Ashwin eventually returned to the franchise later in his career, letting him go in his prime remains one of CSK’s most questionable calls.