Chennai, Aug 27 (PTI) - Veteran Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has announced his retirement from the Indian Premier League (IPL), ending a 16-year journey with the tournament shortly after stepping away from international cricket.
Ashwin shared the news via a social media post, expressing gratitude and anticipation for his next chapter in cricket. "They say every ending will have a new start," Ashwin wrote. "Though my time as an IPL cricketer concludes today, my journey as an explorer of the game in various leagues begins now. I thank all the franchisees for the unforgettable memories and relationships, and most importantly, the IPL and the BCCI for everything they've offered me until today. Looking forward to embracing what lies ahead."
Recognized as one of the sharpest cricket minds, Ashwin debuted in the IPL in 2009 with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and played his last match in the iconic yellow jersey in 2025, having been signed for INR 9.75 crores after a significant hiatus from the team.
CSK paid an emotional tribute to Ashwin on social media, celebrating his legacy and contributions to the franchise's success. "From your first run-ups in Yellove on the dusty tracks of Anbuden to dominant performances on the world's grandest stages, you've given us everything. You've built our legacy and made Fortress Chepauk roar like no other! You truly own the streets, Ashwin!” The post read.
Ashwin's announcement follows speculations about his future with CSK after an underwhelming IPL 2025 season, where he played only nine matches, marking his second-lowest game count since his debut season in 2009. Amidst discussions of a potential trade involving Rajasthan Royals' skipper Sanju Samson, Ashwin himself sought clarity on his role at CSK.
"Last year, playing just nine games was a first for me in my IPL career," Ashwin shared on his YouTube channel during a podcast with Sanju Samson. "I needed clarity, and I sought it during the IPL season itself."
Addressing the speculation about a trade with Samson, Ashwin noted, "If a trade with Samson is to happen, CSK will need to free up 18 crores, and they'll have to consider who to release for that space. If I'm not part of CSK, it could benefit them. However, it's not just about me. There's a lot that goes into these decisions, much of which is out of players' control." After a distinguished international career that saw him become India's second-highest wicket-taker in Tests, Ashwin retired from international cricket last December.
In his IPL career, Ashwin played 221 matches, securing 187 wickets at an average of 30.22 with best bowling figures of 4/34. With the bat, he amassed 833 runs, with a top score of 50 at an average of 13.02.
Highs and Lows
Ashwin was pivotal in CSK's back-to-back title triumphs in 2010 and 2011 and also played for Rising Pune Supergiant, Punjab Kings, Delhi Capitals, and Rajasthan Royals throughout his IPL tenure. Some of his brightest moments came early in his CSK career, especially bowling against aggressive batsmen like Chris Gayle during the Powerplay.
Under MS Dhoni in the initial seasons, Ashwin developed the carrom ball, a skill that eventually propelled him into the national team. In the later years, he moved across franchises, partly due to his captaincy aspirations, and briefly led the Punjab Kings. However, as IPL evolved, an aggressive mindset and experiments sometimes led to a decline in his stature.
With the league increasingly favoring left-arm orthodox spinners who could contribute with the bat, Ashwin's role slightly shifted, especially as his batting returns diminished. Nonetheless, his return to CSK during the 2024-25 season following an intense bidding war was a major talking point, largely influenced by CSK’s patriarch N Srinivasan’s desire to bring back one of the franchise’s stalwarts.
Ashwin's IPL journey wasn’t without its controversies. The 2019 'Mankad' dismissal of Jos Buttler, then with Rajasthan Royals, while Ashwin played for Kings XI Punjab ignited widespread debate about the "spirit of cricket." However, the two reconciled when Ashwin joined Rajasthan Royals in 2022.
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