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Veteran off-spinner and former Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin took a firm stand amid a rising controversy linked to content shared on his YouTube channel during the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season. The move comes in the wake of backlash over a recent video where a guest panelist criticized CSK’s team selection, particularly the inclusion of Afghanistan’s left-arm wrist spinner Noor Ahmad over seasoned Indian campaigners Ashwin himself and Ravindra Jadeja.
Controversial episode on Youtube channel sparks debate
The incident that triggered the controversy took place during one of CSK’s recent IPL 2025 fixtures, where former South African analyst Prasanna Agoram, who has previously worked with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), questioned the logic behind playing Noor. Agoram’s opinion – aired during a match review episode on Ashwin’s YouTube channel – implied that CSK might have erred in ignoring the experience of players like Jadeja and Ashwin in favor of the younger Afghan spinner. Though Ashwin himself did not voice these opinions, the fact that it was broadcast on his platform led to significant speculation and criticism from a section of CSK supporters and media circles.
The situation escalated when Stephen Fleming, the long-serving head coach of CSK, was asked about the video during the post-match press conference following CSK’s 25-run defeat to Delhi Capitals (DC) at Chepauk on Saturday. His comment signaled CSK’s disinterest in engaging with external media narratives and aimed to minimize the controversy, although it did not stop the growing chatter online.
Also READ: IPL 2025: St🍃ephen Fleming reacts to CSK players’ criticism on Ravichandran Ashwin’s YouTube channel
Ravichandran Ashwin issues clarification
On Sunday (April 7), Ashwin released a detailed official statement through his YouTube community post. In the note, he expressed his concerns over how r🧸ecent discussions were interpreted and officially announced a halt to all CSK-related coverage on the channel. Ashwin confirmed that his platform will refrain from covering any CSK content for the remainder of the IPL season.
“Given the nature of the discussions on this forum over the last week, we want to be mindful of how things can be interpreted and have chosen to step away from covering CSK games, both previews and reviews, for the rest of this season,” Ashwin wrote.
Ashwin further clarifi🐽ed that the comments made by guests on his show do not reflect his personal views and reaffirmed his commitment to maintaining journalistic integrity and balanced discussion on his platform.
“We value the diversity of perspectives that come through on our shows and remain committed to ensuring the conversation stays true to the integrity and purpose of the platform we’ve established. The views expressed by our guests do not reflect Ashwin’s personal opinions,” the 38-year-old further added.
Despite the CSK-related pause, Ashwin reassured his followers that the🌼 channel would continue to provide in𝄹-depth discussions on all other IPL 2025 matches and franchises. His team remains committed to delivering thoughtful analysis across the tournament.
“We appreciate all those who engage thoughtfully with the spirit of the show. Your feedback continues to help us refine and improve what we’ve built over the years. ‘The Small Council’ will continue with all non-CSK games as usual. Looking forward to witnessing the rest of this exciting IPL season with all of you,” Ashwin concluded.
