‘Mentally disturbing': R Ashwin recalls ‘painful’ CSK stint after RCB thrashing
Chennai Super Kings suffered a significant defeat against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, marking their third consecutive loss in IPL 2026. Former player Ravichandran Ashwin expressed his disappointment with the team's struggles and his own mentally draining final season. He questioned the team's strategy in nurturing young talent and utilizing bowlers' strengths, highlighting tactical concerns amidst mounting pressure.
Chennai Super Kings’ poor start to IPL 2026 continued with a heavy defeat to Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and former star Ravichandran Ashwin did not hold back while reflecting on the team’s struggles and his own difficult final season. CSK slumped to their third straight loss after being outplayed at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. RCB piled up a massive 250/3, powered by explosive knocks from Tim David (70* off 25), Rajat Patidar (48* off 19) and Devdutt Padikkal (50 off 29).
In response, CSK never quite recovered from early blows despite resistance from Sarfaraz Khan and Prashant Veer, eventually getting bowled out for 207. As the defeat exposed deeper issues within the side, Ashwin reflected on his own decision to step away from the IPL, admitting that he could have continued but was mentally drained after a disappointing campaign. "Any suggestions for sad songs?
I am watching the match from a neutral point of view, but remember that I recently spent a disappointing season with CSK, it was a disappointing season for me personally as well. Honestly, in my mind, I could have played more, because emotionally, I just did not have the bandwidth to play," Ashwin said on his YouTube channel. When asked to revisit that phase, Ashwin made it clear that it remains a sensitive subject for him.
"I don't want to go there, it's mentally disturbing. It was very painful for me. I don't want to go there.