Why Did MS Dhoni Drop Ashwin? CSK Skipper Reveals Truth After Win vs LSG!

The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) finally broke their poor run in the IPL 2025 season with a confidence-boosting 5-wicket victory over Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) under MS Dhoni’s captaincy. But what everyone was talking about wasn’t the victory—it was the non-selection of Ravichandran Ashwin in the playing XI.

Post-match, MS Dhoni, in characteristic composure, spoke about the strategic decision to omit the experienced spinner. His statements perhaps suggested a more extended break for Ashwin, whose recent performances have been a cause for worry in the CSK camp.

Why Did CSK Drop Ravichandran Ashwin? MS Dhoni Explains

During the post-match press conference, MS Dhoni addressed the burning question:

“We were putting too much pressure on Ash. He was bowling two overs in the first six. We made changes and this looks like a better attack,” said Dhoni.

The skipper explained that employing Ashwin during the powerplay overs wasn’t optimal and could have impacted his rhythm. Dropping him, CSK could reorganize their bowling ranks, which proved better against LSG.

This development may indicate that CSK now focuses on form rather than reputation, and since Dhoni is a master strategist, such maneuvers might rechart CSK’s second-half approach to the tournament.

Ashwin’s Struggles in IPL 2025 – Is Form the Real Reason?

Ravichandran Ashwin returned to CSK after a decade, having been bought for a whopping ₹9.75 crore in the IPL 2025 auction following his release from Rajasthan Royals. But the reunion has not gone as planned.

Here’s a quick look at Ashwin’s IPL 2025 performance so far:

• Wickets: 5 in 6 matches
• Runs Conceded: 198 in 20 overs
• Economy Rate: 9.90

While he has shown occasional sparks, his expensive economy rate has been a concern, especially in tight matches. Dhoni’s decision may also be an attempt to shield Ashwin from mounting pressure while exploring better bowling combinations.

MS Dhoni – Still the Finisher

Even at the age of 43, MS Dhoni reaffirmed why he remains among the finest finishers in the sport. With his composed attitude, intelligent choice of shots, and incisive decision-making, he not just held the closing stages of the chase together but also reaffirmed his status as a thinking skipper.

This victory may be the tide-turner for CSK in IPL 2025—and it comes with a strong call to sit out one of the major players, demonstrating that Dhoni is not afraid to make unpopular choices for the good of the team.