Ravichandran Ashwin has officially retired from the Indian Premier League after 16 seasons. The veteran Indian spinner announced his decision on X and hinted at exploring opportunities in global T20 leagues.
“They say every ending will have a new start, my time as an IPL cricketer comes to a close today, but my time as an explorer of the game around various leagues begins today,” Ashwin posted on X.
Ashwin, who returned to Chennai Super Kings this season for INR 9.75 crore, had a modest campaign. He played nine matches and picked seven wickets. Earlier this month, reports suggested that Ashwin and CSK were set to part ways.
Ashwin’s Legacy in the IPL
The 38-year-old offspinner debuted in IPL 2009 with CSK. He went on to play 221 matches, taking 187 wickets and finishing as the fifth-highest wicket-taker in IPL history. Ashwin was instrumental in CSK’s title wins in 2010 and 2011, picking 13 and 20 wickets respectively.
In the 2010 Champions League T20, he was named Player of the Series. A year later, he dismissed Chris Gayle for a duck in the IPL final, a decisive moment in CSK’s triumph. He also added another Champions League T20 trophy in 2014.
Journey Across Multiple Franchises
After his long stint with CSK, Ashwin represented Rising Pune Supergiant, Punjab Kings – where he captained – Delhi Capitals, and Rajasthan Royals. He picked 90 wickets for CSK before their two-year suspension, played for RPS under MS Dhoni in 2016, and missed 2017 due to injury. Punjab Kings signed him for INR 7.60 crore in 2018 and handed him captaincy, but the team failed to reach the playoffs.
Before IPL 2020, he moved to Delhi Capitals, spending two seasons there. Rajasthan Royals bought him in 2022 for INR 5 crore, pairing him with Yuzvendra Chahal. He took 12 and 14 wickets in his first two seasons before a dip in 2024. CSK then secured his services once again, completing his IPL journey where it began.
Ashwin departs the IPL as a legend, with a decorated career across multiple franchises and unforgettable match-winning spells. His next chapter in global T20 cricket now begins.
Stay tuned for all the latest Cricket news, match highlights, player analysis and viral moments!