Ravichandran Ashwin, one of India’s most decorated spinners and a veteran of the Indian Premier League (IPL), has officially bid farewell to the tournament. The 38-year-old announced his decision on the social media platform X, stating that while his time in the IPL had ended, a new chapter awaits him in franchise cricket across the world. Ashwin leaves behind a remarkable legacy as the fourth-highest wicket-taker in IPL history, with 187 scalps in 221 matches spread over 14 unforgettable seasons.
Ashwin’s IPL journey began with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in 2009, and fittingly, his final stint also came with the same franchise in 2025. Over the years, he donned the jerseys of Rising Pune Supergiant, Punjab Kings, Delhi Capitals, and Rajasthan Royals, but CSK always remained the most special connection.
It was under MS Dhoni’s captaincy that Ashwin rose to prominence, famously bowling in the Powerplay overs and delivering match-winning spells. With CSK, he lifted back-to-back titles in 2010 and 2011, etching his name in the franchise’s golden history.
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Before announcing his retirement, Ashwin had reportedly informed CSK’s management that he wanted clarity about his future. In a respectful conversation, he expressed that if he wasn’t part of the team’s long-term plans, he would rather step aside. His final IPL season in 2025 saw him pick up seven wickets in 14 matches, taking his overall CSK tally to 56 wickets.
In his heartfelt post, Ravichandran Ashwin wrote: “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.” He thanked the IPL, the BCCI, and all the franchises he played for, underlining how much the tournament shaped his cricketing career.
Special day and hence a special beginning.
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🤓.
Would like to thank all the franchisees for all the…
— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) August 27, 2025
Ashwin’s exit from the IPL comes just months after he retired from international cricket, a decision he revealed following India’s memorable draw at the Gabba during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Though his international and IPL journeys ended in close succession, Ashwin remains far from done with cricket.
His career wasn’t without controversies either. As captain of the Punjab Kings in 2018 and 2019, he faced mixed results, finishing seventh and sixth, respectively. Yet, it was in 2019 that Ashwin made global headlines when he ran out Jos Buttler at the non-striker’s end, sparking the infamous “Mankad” debate. The incident polarised the cricketing world but also highlighted Ashwin’s uncompromising approach to the rules of the game.
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With his BCCI obligations now over, Ashwin is free to ply his trade in overseas leagues. Possibilities include the Big Bash League (BBL), The Hundred, Caribbean Premier League (CPL), and South Africa’s SA20, where franchises may look to add one of cricket’s sharpest strategists to their ranks. He already features in the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) for the Dindigul Dragons and could soon be a sought-after name globally.
Earlier this year, Dinesh Karthik became the first Indian to represent the Paarl Royals in the SA20, setting a precedent. Now, Ashwin seems poised to follow that path, carrying with him not just the experience of 14 IPL seasons, but also the reputation of being one of India’s greatest cricketing minds. Ashwin’s IPL retirement truly marks the end of an era—but also the beginning of a fascinating new journey.
