Indian cricket legend and spin maestro Ravichandran Ashwin has officially announced his retirement from the Indian Premier League (IPL), bringing the curtain down on a glorious 15-year journey in the world’s most celebrated T20 league.
His heartfelt message left fans emotional while also sparking hope that this isn’t the end of his cricketing journey altogether.
Ashwin’s Emotional Farewell
Ashwin made his announcement through a heartfelt post on social media, writing:
“My time as an IPL cricketer comes to a close today, but my time as an explorer of the game continues.”
The off-spinner, known for his tactical brilliance and fearless attitude, hinted that while he has bid goodbye to IPL cricket, he is still open to exploring opportunities in other franchise leagues around the world. This leaves the door ajar for fans to see him in action in international T20 circuits.
A Remarkable IPL Journey
Ashwin’s IPL career is nothing short of extraordinary. Starting with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) under the leadership of MS Dhoni, he quickly established himself as a reliable match-winner. His sharp off-spin, carrom balls, and ability to outfox the best batters in crunch situations made him one of the most feared bowlers in the league.
- With CSK, Ashwin lifted two IPL trophies (2010, 2011) and played a central role in their dominance during the early 2010s.
- He later went on to represent Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings), Delhi Capitals, and Rajasthan Royals, leaving an indelible mark on each franchise with his skill and experience.
- Across his IPL career, Ashwin has consistently featured among the top five wicket-takers in the tournament’s history, making him a true IPL great.
For fans, “Ash Anna” was more than just a bowler—he was a strategist, leader, and an innovator who always kept the game moving forward.
Ravichandran Ashwin IPL Career Stats
| Year | Team | Matches | Wickets | Best Bowling | Economy Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Chennai Super Kings | 2 | 2 | 2/23 | 6.50 | IPL Debut |
| 2010 | Chennai Super Kings | 13 | 13 | 3/16 | 6.10 | Won IPL Trophy |
| 2011 | Chennai Super Kings | 16 | 20 | 3/16 | 6.15 | Title-winning season |
| 2012 | Chennai Super Kings | 19 | 14 | 3/24 | 6.49 | CSK runner-up |
| 2013 | Chennai Super Kings | 18 | 11 | 3/16 | 6.70 | Playoffs finish |
| 2014 | Chennai Super Kings | 16 | 16 | 3/22 | 6.25 | Consistent performer |
| 2015 | Chennai Super Kings | 14 | 10 | 2/5 | 6.55 | Last season before CSK ban |
| 2016 | Rising Pune Supergiant | 14 | 10 | 3/16 | 7.25 | Moved after CSK suspension |
| 2017 | Rising Pune Supergiant | – | – | – | – | Missed season (injury) |
| 2018 | Kings XI Punjab | 14 | 10 | 2/18 | 8.09 | Debut as captain |
| 2019 | Kings XI Punjab | 14 | 15 | 3/23 | 7.27 | Captaincy role |
| 2020 | Delhi Capitals | 15 | 13 | 3/29 | 7.66 | Reached final |
| 2021 | Delhi Capitals | 13 | 7 | 2/27 | 7.41 | Playoffs again |
| 2022 | Rajasthan Royals | 17 | 12 | 3/17 | 7.50 | RR reached final |
| 2023 | Rajasthan Royals | 13 | 14 | 2/23 | 7.51 | Key middle overs bowler |
| 2024 | Rajasthan Royals | 12 | 8 | 2/21 | 7.95 | Final IPL season |
| Total | 4 Teams (CSK, RPS, KXIP, DC, RR) | 198 | 175 | 3/16 | 7.10 | 2-time Champion (2010, 2011) |
Why Ashwin Chose to Retire
The decision comes less than a year after Ashwin announced his retirement from international cricket in December 2024. At the time, he revealed that being away from his family and spending tours largely on the sidelines took a toll on him.
“Having to just sit out a lot more eventually got to me… I would rather be at home, spending time with my children,” Ashwin had shared in a candid interview.
His IPL retirement follows a similar sentiment—choosing quality time with his loved ones over the demanding grind of franchise cricket.
Ashwin’s retirement leaves a void not only for the franchises he represented but also for the IPL as a whole. His sharp cricketing brain often acted as an extra captain on the field, and his match-ups against big hitters were a treat for fans.
For Chennai Super Kings, the team where he first made his mark, it’s truly the end of an era. Ashwin will forever be remembered as one of CSK’s finest homegrown players, someone who embodied their spirit of resilience and innovation.
The Legacy of R. Ashwin
Ashwin’s legacy extends far beyond statistics. While he boasts over 500 Test wickets and multiple IPL milestones, what stands out is his ability to reinvent himself over the years. From pioneering the carrom ball to perfecting variations in the shortest format, he has always been ahead of the curve.
- Total Matches: 198
- Total Wickets: 175
- Economy Rate: 7.10
- Best Season: 2011 (20 wickets, IPL title)
- IPL Titles: 2 (2010, 2011 with CSK)
- Top IPL Achievements: Among top wicket-takers, multiple match-winning spells, and respected leadership roles.
His retirement marks the close of one chapter, but fans believe this isn’t the last they’ve seen of him on the cricket field—be it in overseas leagues, commentary, or coaching.
As Ashwin himself said, this is not an end but a “new beginning.” The IPL will certainly miss his genius, but cricket lovers around the world wait eagerly to see where his next adventure takes him.
