IPL 2025: CSK's Performance Claims an Unwitting Wicket: Ashwin's YT Channel
It will not discuss the Chennai team's matches going forward in response to commentary controversy
Fans were expecting some strong announcement in the light of Chennai Super Kings' underwhelming performance in IPL 2025 so far.
And it has come. But alas, not from the CSK from the team management. But Ravichandran Ashwin's YouTube channel. The channel which has been discussing each and every match of the IPL this season today announced that it would stay away from CSK matches.
This decision follows the kerfuffle that erupted after the discussion in that channel following CSK's tame loss to Delhi Capitals on April 5. During a post-match analysis on Ashwin's YouTube channel, the regular panelist, Prasanna Agoram — a former data analyst for South Africa and Royal Challengers Bengaluru — opined that the CSK management could have done well to drop Afghan spinner Noor Ahmad and had a batter in his place.
This was a strange call to make considering the fact Noor is currently the Purple Cap holder with 10 wickets in four matches this season. Just to contrast, the two other spinners in the team, Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja combined have just 4 wickets to show for their efforts.
The outrage to Prasanna's snowballed into a controversy on social media, with many accusing the channel of undermining CSK's players and team management. The brouhaha highlighted the broader scrutiny of CSK's performance this season.
Ashwin's YouTube channel today clarified that the views expressed by guests do not reflect his (Ashwin's) personal opinions. It also announced its decision to stay away from covering CSK matches. "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. We value the diversity of perspectives and remain committed to upholding the integrity of this platform," a note from the channel admin said.
Meanwhile, CSK head coach Stephen Fleming had dismissed the controversy as irrelevant, stating that he was unaware of Ashwin's YouTube channel and did not follow such discussions.
The controversy has added to the challenges faced by CSK, which is at the 9th spot in the table, with three losses in its first four matches. The decision by Ashwin's channel to avoid CSK-related content underscores the sensitivity of discussions surrounding the team and the impact of social media on player and team dynamics. This incident also raises questions about the role of player-run platforms in shaping public opinion and the responsibility of such platforms to ensure balanced and constructive discussions.
