[Watch] Ravi Ashwin plays chess with World Champion D Gukesh at MA Chidambaram Stadium before IPL 2025

Ravi Ashwin also gifted D Gukesh a customised CSK jersey with number ’18’ printed on it.

Ravichandran Ashwin‘s return to Chennai Super Kings (CSK) has become one of the most exciting aspects to look forward to in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025.

The Chennai-born off-spinner last played for the franchise in 2015 before CSK faced a two-year ban. The team returned to the league in 2018, but was unable to acquire Ashwin’s services until the IPL 2025 mega auction.

The five-time IPL winners paid a hefty fee of INR 9.75 crores to sign Ashwin for the next season. The legendary all-rounder will reunite with former India teammates Ravindra Jadeja and Mahendra Singh Dhoni in Chennai colours.

Ashwin, who retired from international cricket on December 18, 2024, has an impressive IPL record for CSK, with 90 wickets from 97 matches across eight seasons.

The veteran off-spinner recently interacted with the youngest World Chess Champion, D. Gukesh, who also hails from Chennai.

Watch: Ravi Ashwin plays chess with world champions D Gukesh at MA Chidambaram Stadium

The video of the lovely interaction was shared on Chennai Super Kings’ official X (formerly Twitter) handle. The post read, “World champion of chess! A Chennai paiyan at heart! A sparring with Ashwin! Introducing Chennai Superstars! Get set to meet Gukesh and his love for the city! Coming Soon!“

Gukesh became the youngest World Chess Champion last year after defeating China’s Ding Liren. He broke Garry Kasparov’s long-standing record and became only the second Indian after Viswanathan Anand to win the world title.

His visit to MA Chidambaram Stadium has come shortly after a deeply personal trip to Tirumala Temple, where he sought blessings and performed traditional rituals.

CSK will kick off their IPL 2025 campaign against arch-rivals Mumbai Indians (MI) on Sunday, March 23, at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

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