R Ashwin wants CSK fans trolling the team for poor performance to learn from ‘loyal’ RCB fans

CSK str R. Ashwin faced fan backlash after criticizing their reaction to the team's struggles, even urging them to act like 'loyal' RCB fans.

R Ashwin wants CSK fans trolling the team for poor performance to learn from ‘loyal’ RCB fans

R.Ashwin garnered controversy after he urged CSK fans to act like 'loyal' RCB fans. (via X)

Chennai Super Kings spinner and former Indian team star R Ashwin has landed himself in controversial waters, after he went on to lambast CSK fans over their criticism of the team’s recent struggles. His comments enraged fans, who aimed a dig at his display in the ongoing season. 

Five-time IPL winners CSK have not endured the best start to the 2025 season, having lost four out of their first five encounters. CSK’s only win this season came against Mumbai Indians in the opening match, followed by four successive losses. They were most recently, humiliated by a resurgent Punjab Kings’ side, who defeated the Men in Yellow by a margin of 18 runs.

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Adding to the woes, CSK have also failed to chase in the four matches, extending their poor record of failing to chase 175+ in the IPL, since 2021. Former Indian Test star R Ashwin, who was bought by Chennai Super Kings for INR 9.75 crores at the 2025 IPL Mega Auctions, has been among the players, at the center of criticism this season.

Despite having made an emotional return to his former franchise after a gap of 11 years, he is yet to live up to the expectations. In the first few matches for CSK, Ashwin, who most recently announced his retirement from international cricket, has claimed only five wickets. He has bowled at a poor economy rate of 9.88. Moreover, the 38-year-old’s off-field activities have also garnered significant attention.

Speaking to cricket analyst Prasanna Agoram, Ashwin addressed the intense criticism. The 38-year-old noted that he is only open to constructive feedback, but not the wrath of the fans. Ashwin even admitted that his father still reprimands him for his below-par performances. However, he lashed out at some fans and social media users, stating that they often spew ‘venom’ and unnecessarily troll the players. 

Generally, nobody likes losing. Honestly, I am not bothered by the trolling… We can take it as constructive criticism. But, a few people, when they go after you, it is just venom.

R Ashwin on CSK fans (H/T India Today)

What angered the Chennai fans was R Ashwin’s reference to Royal Challengers Bengaluru fans, in his conversation. He controversially urged the angry CSK fans to learn from the RCB fans, as they are loyal and refuse to abandon their players in tough situations. Ashwin even went to the extent of labeling the RCB fans as ‘real’, while citing that he had with Dinesh Karthik about the same. 

Dinesh Karthik told me one thing about RCB fandom. He said RCB fans will not let down any of their players at any stage… I believe they are real fans.

R Ashwin added

Moreover, amid CSK’s poor start to the season, R Ashwin also decided to stop reviewing the team’s matches on his YouTube channel, following intense scrutiny. Nonetheless, despite the backlash, CSK will be hoping to bounce back when they next face Kolkata Knight Riders, at Chepauk. 

R Ashwin surpasses Bhuvneshwar Kumar to become third-highest wicket-taker in the IPL

Despite a poor start to the season for Chennai Super Kings, team spinner R Ashwin etched his name on record books, after he became the third-highest wicket-taker in IPL history. The 38-year-old spinner overtook Bhuvneshwar Kumar and former CSK teammate Dwayne Bravo in the wicket-takers’ tally. 

R. Ashwin third highest wickets IPL
R Ashwin most recently, became the third-highest wicket-taker in the IPL. (via News 18)

Ashwin now has 185 wickets in a total of 217 matches across 17 seasons of the IPL. He has bowled a record 771 overs in the IPL, the most by any bowler, at an average of 29.92 and an economy rate of 7.18. Ashwin has featured for a total five teams in the IPL, which include his initial spell with CSK until 2015, followed by stints at Rising Pune Supergiant, Delhi Capitals, Punjab Kings and Rajasthan Royals.

Meanwhile, the 38-year-old off-spinner remains only behind Yuzvendra Chahal and Piyush Chawla in the IPL’s all-time wicket-takers’ list. Chahal tops the list with a stunning 206 wickets in just 164 matches, while former KKR spinner, Chawla is second with 192 wickets in the same number of matches.