India, May 1 -- R Ashwin rejoined CSK for Rs. 9.75 Crore in the mega auction last year, but the veteran spinner has failed to justify the massive price tag. In seven matches, Ashwin has taken only five wickets at an economy of 9.29. The former India cricketer's form has been reflective of CSK's, who have been knocked out of the playoff race after their defeat to PBKS on Wednesday.

After CSK's defeat to PBKS, former India cricketer and coach Sanjay Bangar predicted that Ashwin would be released ahead of IPL 2026.

"Whether they retain Ashwin or not is going to be another big question because that's where the money is locked in. If they want to free up their purse a little bit, in the knowledge that they might not want to use Ashwin as muc...