Spin legend Ravichandran Ashwin has been one of the most insightful voices during IPL 2026 with his sharp tactical analysis, but the veteran has now revealed that a “mentally disturbing” final season with Chennai Super Kings played a major role in his decision to step away from the league. Had things been different, fans might still have seen him weaving his magic on the field rather than behind the microphone.

Ashwin had already retired from international cricket in December 2024 during India’s tour of Australia, but he continued in the IPL after returning to CSK. However, IPL 2025 turned into a nightmare campaign for both the franchise and the off-spinner.  CSK finished at the bottom of the table with just four wins in 14 matches, while Ashwin himself managed only seven wickets in nine games, conceding runs at an economy of 9.12. Reflecting on that phase, Ravichandran Ashwin admitted the emotional toll was too heavy to carry forward.

“I spent a disappointing season with CSK (in IPL 2025). Individually, it was disappointing for me too. I could’ve played another season but emotionally it didn’t have the bandwidth. It was mentally disturbing, quite painful. I don’t want to go there,” he said on his YouTube channel.

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“Me retiring would’ve spared them the headache of whether to release or retain me. Besides, they had an additional Rs 10 crore for the auction, which could’ve been spent well to strengthen their squad,” he added.

Meanwhile, CSK’s struggles have continued into IPL 2026, with three consecutive defeats putting them under early pressure. Their latest loss came against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in a high-scoring contest, where they were bowled out for 207 while chasing 251 after a top-order collapse.

“I am a little disappointed today. I had high expectations. I picked RCB today, but CSK showed improvement in their last game. The way RCB played today, they’ve issued a warning to other teams,” Ravichandran Ashwin noted.

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He was particularly critical of CSK’s bowling strategy, pointing out a lack of clarity and over-reliance on predictable plans like wide yorkers.

“I know they don’t have enough options. So, I don’t have any answer. They have young guys, they need to change the atmosphere and I am wondering, how will they do that?” he concluded.