Image Courtesy: @ashwinravi99

India offspinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who has always been known for his sensible reasoning, has waded into controversy by comparing Chennai Super Kings' IPL comeback to that of Manchester United's after the horrific plane crash at Munich in 1958, in which 23 people including eight of their footballers died.

Chennai Super Kings' two-year IPL hiatus ended on July 14. The team that has the best fan following is set to return for the 11th edition next year.

Ashwin, CSK's consistent performer over the years, in an interview to Times of India was quoted as saying, "I think the two-year hiatus for CSK probably increases its value much like what it did for Manchester United when the air crash happened.

"I don't know if it's in the same league but surely people in Chennai and fans across the world are waiting for CSK to return. I hope it turns out to be a good comeback," he added.

His comments didn't go down well with fans across the world and he drew instant flak on social media.

United played a game weeks after 8 first team players died. Who died in the CSK fixing scandal. Shamefully comparison, apology needed
— Brendon D'Souza (@brendonmufc) July 19, 2017

When Ashwin took to Twitter and claimed he had been "misquoted", it only made things worse.

Guys please take the reporting with a pinch of salt with respect to the Munich tragedy and CSK. All I said was the break will make the ..
— Ashwin Ravichandran (@ashwinravi99) July 19, 2017

And this tweet has made it worse... Don't defend something which is wrong.. Accept it and let's move on.. Deaths can't be compared to fraud!
— pppranav (@P9Pranav) July 19, 2017

Ashwin, who departed with the Indian cricket team on Wednesday, signed off on this note: "Now all those who hate me, please get off my mentions, we will catch-up sometime later when I get misquoted again. Thanks."

Stay updated on the go with Sify Live Scores App. Click here to download it for your device