Lucknow, April 14 -- Chennai Super Kings captain MS Dhoni explained the reason behind dropping seasoned off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin from the playing XI against Lucknow Super Giants in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025.

Ashwin has been at the receiving end of criticism from fans and former cricketers for his underwhelming performances in the 18th edition of the cash-rich league. It was a homecoming for the 38-year-old after CSK shelled out a whopping sum of Rs 9.75 crore to bring him back to Chepauk.

Chennai landed in Lucknow after five consecutive defeats, so tweaks and changes in the formation were the order of the day for the five-time champions. The axe fell on Ashwin, who was dropped from the squad in place of Jamie O...