Ravichandran Ashwin Retires from IPL: End of an Era for CSK Legend
Ravichandran Ashwin, one of India’s greatest spin bowlers, has announced his retirement from the Indian Premier League (IPL). The news came as a surprise to cricket fans when Ashwin revealed on X (formerly Twitter) that his illustrious IPL journey had come to an end. While the veteran spinner has bid goodbye to the IPL, he also hinted at continuing his cricketing career in franchise leagues across the world. Ravichandran Ashwin retires from IPL
“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.
Ashwin’s Final IPL Season with CSK
In 2025, Ashwin made a grand homecoming after Chennai Super Kings bought him for INR 9.75 Crore. However, his final IPL season did not go as planned. He played just nine matches, managing to take seven wickets at an economy rate of 8.49. Earlier reports had already suggested that CSK and Ashwin were likely to part ways, making his retirement announcement a natural step forward. Ravichandran Ashwin retires from IPL
A Glorious IPL Career (2009–2025)
Ashwin debuted in the IPL back in 2009 with CSK and went on to feature in 221 matches across multiple franchises, claiming 187 wickets. He ends his IPL career as the fifth-highest wicket-taker in tournament history, a remarkable feat for a spinner who thrived across different conditions. Ravichandran Ashwin retires from IPL
Some of his most memorable moments came in CSK’s title-winning campaigns:
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2010 IPL & CLT20: Picked 13 wickets in the IPL and was named Player of the Series in CSK’s Champions League T20 triumph.
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2011 IPL Final: Famously dismissed Chris Gayle for a duck in the first over, setting the tone for CSK’s win against RCB.
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2014 CLT20: Helped CSK secure another international T20 crown.
The Franchise Journeyman
Although Ashwin’s career began and ended at CSK, he also represented multiple teams during his IPL journey:
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CSK (2009–2015, 2025): 90+ wickets and two titles.
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Rising Pune Supergiant (2016): Played under MS Dhoni when CSK was banned.
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Punjab Kings (2018–2019): Served as captain but could not change the team’s fortunes.
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Delhi Capitals (2020–2021): Played a key role in DC’s bowling unit.
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Rajasthan Royals (2022–2024): Formed a strong spin duo with Yuzvendra Chahal.
Career Stats at a Glance
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Matches: 221
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Wickets: 187
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Best Figures: 4/34
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Economy Rate: 7.26
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IPL Titles: 2 (2010, 2011)
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Champions League T20 Titles: 2 (2010, 2014)
Ashwin’s ability to bowl in the powerplay and dismiss top-order batsmen made him one of the most valuable spinners in T20 cricket. Ravichandran Ashwin retires from IPL
Ashwin’s Legacy in the IPL
Ravichandran Ashwin’s retirement marks the end of an era in the IPL. His clever variations, carrom ball, and unmatched game sense made him a nightmare for many top batters. More than just a bowler, Ashwin was a strategic thinker on the field. His leadership stint with Punjab Kings also reflected his cricketing intelligence, even if the results did not go in his favor. Ravichandran Ashwin retires from IPL
Ashwin also played a crucial role in shaping CSK’s bowling unit under MS Dhoni’s leadership. His performances in high-pressure knockout matches cemented his place as one of CSK’s biggest match-winners.
What’s Next for Ashwin?
While he has retired from the IPL, Ashwin has made it clear that he will continue exploring franchise cricket opportunities around the world. This means fans may still get to see him in leagues such as the Big Bash League (BBL), Caribbean Premier League (CPL), or SA20. His experience and skill set will remain in demand globally.
Fans React to Ashwin’s Retirement
Social media was flooded with tributes as fans, former cricketers, and teammates celebrated Ashwin’s IPL journey. Many hailed him as the greatest Indian spinner in T20 cricket after Harbhajan Singh, while CSK fans recalled his match-winning spells that brought glory to the franchise. Ravichandran Ashwin retires from IPL
Ravichandran Ashwin retires from IPL after an illustrious 16-season journey, leaving behind a rich legacy of consistency, match-winning spells, and unforgettable memories. From dismissing Chris Gayle in a final to captaining Punjab Kings, Ashwin’s career was filled with high points that will inspire future generations of Indian spinners. Ravichandran Ashwin retires from IPL
As Ashwin embarks on a new chapter in global franchise cricket, IPL fans will forever remember him as one of the true legends of the tournament.
