Harbhajan Singh makes bold claim on why R Ashwin has been benched by CSK in IPL 2025

Former India cricketer Harbhajan Singh has criticised Chennai Super Kings' team selection in IPL 2025, particularly highlighting the absence of R Ashwin from recent matches. Harbhajan suggested that playing Ashwin alongside Noor Ahmad and Ravindra Jadeja against Punjab Kings could have resulted in a victory for CSK.
Chennai Super Kings have struggled in IPL 2025, managing only two wins in their ten matches. As a result, they've been eliminated from playoff race - the earliest exit for a team since 2013. Their strategy of relying on experienced players has not yielded desired results.
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Ashwin's performance in the initial phase of IPL 2025 was subdued, with just five wickets in seven games at an economy rate of 9.29, leading to his exclusion from the playing XI.
"Chennai did not select the team based on conditions. Had Noor Ahmad, Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja played together against Punjab Kings, Chennai Super Kings could have won the match," Harbhajan said while speaking on JioHotstar.

"You did not pay Rs 10 crore for Ashwin to bench him. I do not know why he is not playing, but it seems he might have fought with someone," Harbhajan added.
The original plan was for Ashwin to form a formidable spin trio with Jadeja and Noor Ahmad. While Noor has delivered quality performances, the experienced Indian spinners have not met expectations.
"He is not the only one who has not performed. Others are still playing despite their ordinary performances, but Ashwin is out of the team. He should have played against Punjab, as the ball was spinning," Harbhajan said.

Chennai now sit at the bottom of the table for most of the season, looking to salvage pride in their remaining matches.
Their upcoming match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Saturday, May 3, presents an opportunity to avoid finishing last and potentially climb to mid-table position.

Bengaluru's captain Rajat Patidar could capitalize on Chennai's struggling bowling department, which has shown consistency only through Khaleel Ahmed and Noor Ahmad.
While Bengaluru's bowling unit has performed within expectations, Chennai will rely on batters Ayush Mhatre, Sam Curran, Dewald Brevis, and Shivam Dube to provide a platform for MS Dhoni in the final overs.