Ashwin Withdraws from CSK Match Coverage on YouTube Following Backlash
Ravichandran Ashwin's YouTube channel stopped covering Chennai Super Kings (CSK) matches for the rest of IPL 2025 due to social media outrage over guest criticism of the team. CSK head coach Stephen Fleming replied, saying he did not know about Ashwin's channel and found the issue irrelevant.

R Ashwin has made up his mind that his YouTube channel will not be covering Chennai Super Kings matches for the remainder of IPL 2025. This was done following some stern reactions on social media. A lot of fans were angered after a guest on Ashwin's channel criticized CSK's move to add Noor Ahmad to the team. The visitor was Prasanna Agoram who is a past analyst of South Africa and Royal Challengers Bengaluru. He opined that CSK ought not to have picked Noor Ahmad and instead ought to have included a batter. This generated a lot of controversy particularly as Noor Ahmad is the Purple Cap-holder with ten wickets off four innings more than Ashwin and Jadeja combined who have four wickets off eight innings between them.
The video with the comments was soon taken down after the backlash began. The fans were upset because CSK had just lost their third consecutive game. These setbacks saw them suffer their first home defeat to RCB since 2008 and at home to Delhi Capitals since 2010. These losses have dropped CSK to ninth position on the points table with just two points from four games. The squad is experimenting with various combinations of players and has already tried out 17 players including all of their overseas players which is quite different from their traditional style of play with a consistent team.
In a message posted by the admin of Ashwin's channel they have mentioned that they are taking a step back from CSK game discussion to prevent misunderstandings. They mentioned that the channel hosts a lot of opinions from various individuals and that the guest's comment is not representative of Ashwin's own opinion. They mentioned that they also wish to maintain the dialogue on the channel respectful and impactful.
When CSK coach Stephen Fleming was questioned if all this chatter on Ashwin's channel could influence the team, he replied that he did not even know that Ashwin had a channel. He replied that he does not pay attention to such things and that it is not significant to the team's work. This indicates that the team is attempting to concentrate on the game and not get distracted by external remarks or videos.
There is also speculation regarding MS Dhoni and his position in the team. Fans and experts are debating his batting style and where he should bat. In certain games such as the game against RCB fans and pundits believed he should have come in sooner. But CSK is a team that relies on its seasoned players and decides based on what is required during the game.
With CSK having a poor beginning to IPL 2025 everyone is now wondering how they can make a comeback. The team has good players such as Ashwin Jadeja and Dhoni and fans are waiting for them to get back into their rhythm. But until then Ashwin has decided to keep his channel free from CSK content so that the platform remains balanced and just for everyone.
This decision proves that even in sports one has to be concerned about what is stated openly. With so many audiences and observers online any thought can go viral and sometimes bring problems. Ashwin prefers not to have such drama as a part of his platform and desires to maintain the essence of the game and the respect for his team.
Ultimately Ashwin taking a step back from CSK talks indicates how crucial it is to be careful with social media particularly when you belong to a large team. His decision keeps him concentrating on his game and away from unnecessary noise. Game fans can still view his content but they will have to wait until next season for CSK reviews.