Chennai Super Kings (ANI Photo)

Chennai Super Kings’ poor start to IPL 2026 continued with a heavy defeat to Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and former star Ravichandran Ashwin did not hold back while reflecting on the team’s struggles and his own difficult final season. CSK slumped to their third straight loss after being outplayed at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. RCB piled up a massive 250/3, powered by explosive knocks from Tim David (70* off 25), Rajat Patidar (48* off 19) and Devdutt Padikkal (50 off 29). In response, CSK never quite recovered from early blows despite resistance from Sarfaraz Khan and Prashant Veer, eventually getting bowled out for 207. As the defeat exposed deeper issues within the side, Ashwin reflected on his own decision to step away from the IPL, admitting that he could have continued but was mentally drained after a disappointing campaign. “Any suggestions for sad songs? I am watching the match from a neutral point of view, but remember that I recently spent a disappointing season with CSK, it was a disappointing season for me personally as well. Honestly, in my mind, I could have played more, because emotionally, I just did not have the bandwidth to play,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel. When asked to revisit that phase, Ashwin made it clear that it remains a sensitive subject for him. “I don’t want to go there, it’s mentally disturbing. It was very painful for me. I don’t want to go there. I discussed a little then I said, I started in Chennai, I am finishing in my hometown, it’s fine. I decided to retire myself as it would not have created a headache for them (the management) over whether to retain me or release. They would also save Rs 10 crore if I go. I am still disappointed. I had expectations, I had hope,” he added. Despite predicting an RCB win, Ashwin admitted he expected a stronger showing from CSK, especially after signs of improvement in their previous outing. “I had expectations from today. I know, I picked RCB to win, because they have strength. But, I banked on the improvement that CSK showed in the last game. I had a little faith on the fact that RCB were coming into this match after a break. The way RCB played, they warned everyone,” he said. CSK’s current approach has also come under scrutiny, particularly their shift towards a younger squad. Ashwin questioned how effectively these players are being nurtured in a high-pressure environment. “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 remarked. The veteran spinner was also critical of certain tactical calls, especially how bowlers are being utilised. He pointed out that some players are being asked to execute skills that may not suit their strengths. “You can watch SA20 to plan against. Jamie Overton isn’t good at bowling yorkers. You are making him do that. You have to play according to the bowler’s strengths. You are making him bowl wide yorkers from around the stumps. Tim David smashed them hard,” he said. With results going against them and questions mounting over both strategy and execution, CSK now face an early-season challenge to regroup and find direction before the campaign slips further away.

Ravichandran Ashwin is poised to make history as the first Indian-capped player to feature in Major League Cricket after signing with the San Francisco Unicorns for the 2026 season. The veteran off-spinner, part of India’s title-winning squads at the 2011 ODI World Cup and 2013 Champions Trophy, has enjoyed a remarkable international career, claiming 765 wickets in 287 matches across formats. He also stands as the seventh-highest wicket-taker in Test history. Speaking about the move, Ashwin highlighted the rapid growth of the league and the opportunity it presents. “The MLC has proven over recent seasons that it can put on a show, bringing in world-class players and offering significant exposure to US domestic cricket talent, and the opportunity to be a part of it with the San Francisco Unicorns was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up. “Taking on the mantle as the first Indian-capped player to compete in Major League Cricket is a major responsibility that I fully embrace. My absolute focus is to help this franchise win games and push for its first Championship, while also putting on a spectacular brand of cricket for the Bay Area fans,” said Ashwin in a statement. Ashwin also brings vast T20 experience, being among the top five wicket-takers in the Indian Premier League, having represented teams like Chennai Super Kings, Rising Pune Supergiant, Punjab Kings, Rajasthan Royals and Delhi Capitals. He had earlier been set to feature in the Big Bash League with Sydney Thunder, before a knee injury ruled him out. San Francisco Unicorns head coach Cameron White expressed his excitement at the signing, calling it a landmark moment for both the franchise and the league. “We are absolutely thrilled to welcome a player of Ashwin’s stature to the Unicorns. When you talk about match-winners and cricketing intelligence, his name is at the top of the list around the world. “Bringing in the first Indian-capped player is a massive moment for our franchise and MLC as a whole, but first and foremost, he’s joining to help us win games. His experience in high-pressure situations and his skill variations will be invaluable on the pitch and in the nets, and I can’t wait to get into camp and start working with him,” he said. The Unicorns will kick off their campaign on June 19 against LA Knight Riders at Grand Prairie Cricket Stadium near Dallas, Texas. The tournament will conclude on July 18 at the franchise’s home venue, the Oakland Coliseum. The team has already retained key overseas names including Matt Short, Cooper Connolly, Xavier Bartlett, Finn Allen and Haris Rauf, along with domestic players Sanjay Krishnamurthi, Hassan Khan, Brody Couch, Juanoy Drysdale and Hammad Azam.Also See: IPL Live Score

R Ashwin and Arjun Tendulkar

NEW DELHI: A debate has broken out over Arjun Tendulkar’s chances in IPL 2026 after Ravichandran Ashwin said the youngster is unlikely to feature for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). With a strong pace attack already in place, Ashwin felt Arjun would struggle to break into the playing XI.Speaking about the team combination, Ashwin said, “Arjun Tendulkar khelega hi nahi (Arjun Tendulkar won’t play at all), and let’s not even go there. I think it is very difficult because there are Mayank Yadav, Mohsin Khan, Avesh Khan, and Mohammad Shami in this lineup. There are so many fast bowlers. How will he play? I don’t think he makes any case unless and until there are a lot of injuries.”