Ravichandran Ashwin Bids Farewell to IPL, Set for Global T20 Endeavors

In a significant development for the cricketing world, veteran Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has announced his retirement from the Indian Premier League (IPL). The 38-year-old, who had previously retired from international cricket, confirmed his decision on social media platform X, signaling a new chapter in his career focused on participating in various T20 leagues across the globe.

Ashwin's IPL journey, which began in 2009 with Chennai Super Kings (CSK), has been nothing short of illustrious. He leaves the league as the leading wicket-taker among finger-spinners, boasting an impressive tally of 187 wickets from 221 matches at an economy rate of 7.2. His 187 wickets also place him as the fifth-highest wicket-taker in IPL history, a testament to his consistent performance and adaptability over 16 seasons.

Throughout his decorated IPL career, Ashwin was a vital cog for multiple franchises. After his foundational years with CSK, where he contributed significantly to their championship victories in 2010 (13 wickets) and 2011 (20 wickets), he went on to represent Rising Pune Supergiant, Delhi Capitals, and Rajasthan Royals. A memorable moment from his CSK tenure includes dismissing the formidable Chris Gayle for a duck in the opening over of the 2011 IPL final, a crucial act in CSK's title defense. He was also named Player of the Series in the 2010 Champions League T20, further showcasing his all-round prowess.

Ashwin also took on captaincy duties for Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings), picking up 25 wickets across two seasons. Later, he formed a formidable spin partnership with Yuzvendra Chahal during his stint with Rajasthan Royals after being acquired for INR 5 crore in the 2022 mega auction. His ability to adapt and remain relevant in the T20 format as a traditional finger-spinner has been a hallmark of his career.

His most recent season, IPL 2025, saw him return to CSK, but with fewer games than in any previous season since his debut, and an economy rate of 9.12, which was a point of concern. This followed a dip in form in the 2024 season, where he took nine wickets at an economy rate of 8.49 before being released by Rajasthan Royals. These recent performances ultimately prompted his decision to step away from the league.

With his IPL retirement, Ashwin now follows in the footsteps of other Indian cricketers like Dinesh Karthik, becoming eligible to play in various international T20 leagues. These include prominent competitions such as the Big Bash League (BBL) in Australia, the SA20 in South Africa, the ILT20 in the UAE, The Hundred in England, and the Caribbean Premier League (CPL). However, this move necessitates his withdrawal from the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL), as per BCCI regulations.

Ashwin's career has been characterized by a constant drive to innovate and compete. Beyond his bowling mastery, he has also displayed all-round capabilities, including power-hitting and even opening the batting in the TNPL. He holds the unique distinction of being the first player to be 'retired-out' in the IPL and the first to effect a run-out without delivering the ball, showcasing his sharp cricketing mind and willingness to push boundaries.