Ravichandran Ashwin, one of India's premier cricketers of his generation, decided to step away from international cricket during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, finishing his career with 106 Test caps. Originally, he had planned to retire after his 100th Test—achieved in Dharamsala against England—and even wished for his former captain, MS Dhoni, to be there for the occasion. However, things didn't go exactly as planned, leading him to postpone his retirement.

At Ashwin's 100th Test, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) hosted a special ceremony and presented him with a memento. Ashwin had hoped to receive it directly from his former captain, Dhoni, but Dhoni was unable to attend. Later, during an event in Chennai, Ashwin revealed that although he missed out on that moment, he received an even greater honor when Chennai Super Kings signed him at the IPL 2025 auction.

"I called MS Dhoni for my 100th Test in Dharamshala to hand over the memento. I wanted to make that my last Test. But he couldn't make it. However, I didn't think he would give me the gift of getting me back to CSK. It's a much better one. So, thank you, MS, for doing it. I'm glad to be here," said Ashwin during a book launch event in Chennai on Sunday.

Ashwin, who started his IPL career with CSK in 2008, returned to the 5-time champions for the first time since his exit after the 2015 season. Ashwin featured for multiple franchises over the last decade, including Punjab Kings, Rajasthan Royals and Delhi Capitals.

"Most importantly, I have come back to CSK not as someone who has achieved so much but as someone who has gone through the full circle and wants to come back here and enjoy just like before. It is a wonderful place to be," he added.