Former Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin had a heartwarming meeting with Chess World Champion D Gukesh ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season. At a promotional event, the CSK spinner greeted the young champion with a handshake and presented him with a Chennai Super Kings jersey. The 18-year-old was thrilled to meet Ashwin, and the two even sat down for a game of chess. The Chennai Super Kings' official social media handle shared the video of their interaction with the caption: "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!" 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! 📹🔜#WhistlePodu #Yellove 🦁💛 pic.twitter.com/bwVRm4zSDn — Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) March 21, 2025 Ashwin's CSK Comeback Ravichandran Ashwin is set to make his return to Chennai Super Kings for the IPL 2025 season. The veteran spinner, who previously played for Rajasthan Royals, was brought back by his home franchise in the mega auction. Also Read: IPL 2025: CSK vs MI Match 3 Preview - Venue, Squads & More Ashwin’s IPL journey began with CSK in 2008, where he played until 2015 before representing Rising Pune Supergiants, Punjab Kings(formerly Kings XI Punjab), Delhi Capitals, and Rajasthan Royals. Over the years, he has claimed 180 wickets in 212 IPL matches at an economy rate of 7.12. Speaking at a book launch event, Ashwin reflected on his reunion with CSK: "It was nice to go around and get a flavour of what it is like everywhere. You learn a lot, but one thing that really stands out is that CSK has remained a team that's evolved, yet at the same time, remained an archive." He also shared a heartfelt moment about inviting MS Dhoni for his 100th Test match, only to receive a much bigger gift in return—his comeback to CSK. "I invited MS for my 100th Test to hand over the memento. I wanted to make that my last Test. Unfortunately, he couldn't come, but I didn't think you'd hand over the gift of getting me back to CSK. It's a much better one, so thank you MS," Ashwin said. Ashwin will don the CSK jersey once again at his home ground, MA Chidambaram Stadium when CSK face Mumbai Indians in their season opener on Sunday. He will reunite with his long-time spin partner, Ravindra Jadeja, as they aim to grab another victory over their arch-rivals.