Former Australian cricketer Tom Moody didn't mince his words while analysing Chennai Super Kings' IPL 2025 season, and suggested to get rid of star India cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin, who was bought by CSK for INR 9.75 crore in the mega-auction in Jeddah last year. While stating that he understands the logic behind going for Ashwin in the auction, Moody said that CSK might need some funds to get new players in the set-up after a rather disappointing season that might see them finishing last in the points table.

"I understand the philosophy behind CSK going for him (Ashwin) because, at the end of the day, they have always gone for proven and mature players, and that philosophy has worked for them over the duration of the IPL. But if you are needing to release funds, the obvious one would be Ashwin,” Moody told ESPNcricinfo.

"He went for close to 10 crores (₹9.75) in the auction, and that's a lot of money for someone, that's not guaranteed a place in the XI. So that maybe a hard conversation that the management will have to have with him,” Moody added.

Ashwin has not had the best of seasons so far, having picked up only five wickets in eight matches at an economy rate of 8.96. His best figures came against Punjab Kings in Mullanpur, where he picked up a couple of wickets but went for 48 in his quota of four overs. Ashwin, 38, already retired from international cricket, now stares at an uncertain IPL future, but given his track record, no one should be surprised if he makes a remarkable comeback next season. With CSK, having a history of backing their players, that is still a possibility.