Ravichandran Ashwin has made a comeback to domestic cricket in the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) after a disappointing season of IPL 2025. Playing for Chennai Super Kings, Ashwin could not make any difference, taking only seven wickets and scoring 33 runs in nine games. Now captaining the Dindigul Dragons, the 38-year-old all-rounder seemed keen to rectify the situation in the TNPL, but his latest outing was controversial.

During the game against IDream Tiruppur Tamizhans on Sunday, Ashwin exchanged heated words with an umpire. This happened in the 5th over of the Dragons' innings, after the captain of Tiruppur, R. Sai Kishore, decided to bowl first. On the fifth delivery of the over, Ashwin was given LBW by the on-field umpire. Yet, the veteran cricketer refuted the decision vehemently, claiming that the ball had pitched outside leg-stump.

Although he protested, the umpire did not waver, and Ashwin was forced to return to the dugout after scoring 18 runs. Clearly agitated, he expressed his displeasure by banging his pads with the bat while walking towards the dugout. The Dragons were never able to get back on their feet after the early troubles and were bowled out for a paltry 93 runs, as Tiruppur bowlers ruled the roost.

Tiruppur Clinch First Win Amid Ashwin's Frustration

Tiruppur Tamizhans made light work of the modest target, chasing down 94 runs in 11.5 overs. Tushar Raheja starred with the bat, hitting an unbeaten 65 off just 39 balls. The emphatic win gave Tiruppur their first points of the season after their loss to Chepauk Super Gillies at the start of the season.

Watch the video here

Ash anna vs TNPL umpires never ending love story

Please bring DRS in TNPL also !pic.twitter.com/iTBpQwaqkh

— Sekar 𝕏 (@itzSekar) June 8, 2025

Also Read: 'I don't think it'll take off in Australia' - Josh Hazlewood on his new nickname given by Indian fans

The loss for Ashwin and the Dragons was a contrast to their season opener against the Lyca Kovai Kings. Ashwin's form has persisted from the IPL, where he and CSK had a disastrous season, ending last at the points table with a mere four victories from 14 games. The episode and performance again raise doubts over the veteran player's form and leadership before the season's big challenges.