Indian Premier League (IPL) fans witnessed the end of a glorious chapter as Ravichandran Ashwin, one of India’s most successful spinners, officially announced his retirement from the cash-rich league. The 38-year-old off-spinner revealed his decision through a heartfelt post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), expressing gratitude for his IPL journey while hinting at new beginnings in franchise cricket across the globe.
This announcement brings curtains down on a career that spanned over 16 IPL seasons, across multiple franchises, filled with match-winning performances, memorable spells, and consistent excellence.
The 2024 Season and Emotional CSK Homecoming
Ravichandran Ashwin’s final IPL stint was with Chennai Super Kings (CSK), the franchise where his journey first began in 2009. CSK bought him for a whopping ₹9.75 crore at the auction, creating huge buzz among fans who were excited to see their old hero back in yellow.
However, the season did not pan out as expected. Ashwin featured in just nine matches, managing only seven wickets at an economy rate that did not reflect his usual sharpness. Despite the dip in performance, his presence added value to the dressing room, given his experience and tactical insights.
Earlier this year, media reports, including Cricbuzz, hinted that Ashwin and CSK were set to part ways, a speculation that has now become reality with his retirement announcement.
Ravichandran Ashwin’s Staggering IPL Career: Numbers That Speak
- IPL Debut: 2009 with Chennai Super Kings
- Total Matches Played: 221
- Total Wickets: 187
- Best Bowling Figures: 3/16
- Economy Rate: 6.91 (one of the most economical in IPL history among spinners with 150+ wickets)
- 5th Highest Wicket-Taker in IPL history
Ashwin’s contributions extend beyond numbers. He was not just a wicket-taker but also a master strategist who outfoxed some of the world’s best batsmen with variations, flight, and sharp off-spin.
Glory Days with CSK: 2010 and 2011 Titles
Ravichandran Ashwin rose to prominence as a key member of the CSK squad during their golden run in 2010 and 2011.
- In 2010, he scalped 13 wickets, playing a crucial role in CSK lifting their maiden IPL trophy.
- In 2011, he raised the bar even higher, picking 20 wickets, once again ensuring CSK retained the title.
- That same year, he shone in the Champions League T20, where CSK were crowned champions, and Ashwin was named Player of the Series for his brilliance with the ball.
His ability to deliver under pressure and bowl with precision in powerplays set him apart from other spinners of his era.
Franchise Journeys Beyond CSK
Ravichandran Ashwin’s IPL career was not restricted to CSK alone. After the franchise’s suspension in 2016, he represented Rising Pune Supergiants under the leadership of MS Dhoni. Unfortunately, an injury ruled him out of the 2017 season.
In 2018, he was bought by Punjab Kings for ₹7.60 crore and was even handed the captaincy. Over two seasons, he picked up 25 wickets, but the team’s performance remained inconsistent, failing to qualify for the playoffs.
Before IPL 2020, Ravichandran Ashwin was traded to Delhi Capitals, where he became a key part of their bowling attack for two years.
In the 2022 mega auction, he was signed by Rajasthan Royals (RR) for ₹5 crore. Pairing up with Yuzvendra Chahal, the duo formed one of the most formidable spin combinations in the league. Ashwin claimed 12 wickets in 2022 and 14 wickets in 2023, proving his effectiveness even in the latter stages of his career.
However, 2024 was not kind, as his tally dropped to just 9 wickets at an economy of 8.49, leading RR to release him before CSK roped him back.
A Journey of Evolution: From Off-Spinner to All-Round Thinker
What made Ravichandran Ashwin special was not just his off-spin but also his constant innovation. From introducing the carrom ball to experimenting with different angles and deliveries, Ravichandran Ashwin redefined what a modern-day T20 spinner could achieve.
In addition, his willingness to adapt, read conditions, and plan dismissals meticulously set him apart. Many experts believe Ashwin is not just a bowler but a “cricket scientist”, constantly pushing the boundaries of the game.
Ashwin’s Impact on Indian and IPL Cricket
- Ashwin remains one of the very few bowlers to dismiss legends like Chris Gayle, Virat Kohli, and AB de Villiers multiple times in the IPL.
- He is widely regarded as one of the most intelligent minds in cricket, with tactical acumen that helped several captains during crunch moments.
- His leadership stint with Punjab Kings showcased his ability to guide youngsters and take bold decisions, even though results didn’t always favor him.
What’s Next for Ravichandran Ashwin?
While his IPL journey has come to an end, Ravichandran Ashwin has hinted at exploring opportunities in other franchise leagues around the world. This could mean fans might soon see him in tournaments like Major League Cricket (USA), Big Bash League (Australia), or Caribbean Premier League (CPL).
At 38, Ashwin still has plenty to offer, and his wealth of experience makes him a valuable asset for any global franchise.
The Legacy He Leaves Behind
Ravichandran Ashwin leaves IPL as:
- 5th highest wicket-taker in history
- A two-time IPL champion with CSK
- A player who redefined T20 spin bowling with variations and intelligence
- A mentor figure for upcoming Indian spinners like Washington Sundar, Varun Chakravarthy, and even Yuzvendra Chahal
For CSK and IPL fans, his retirement marks the end of an era, but his influence on the league will remain everlasting.
From being a young spinner making his debut under MS Dhoni’s leadership in 2009 to becoming one of the most celebrated and respected names in T20 cricket, Ravichandran Ashwin’s IPL journey is nothing short of inspirational.
His retirement is not just the end of a chapter but the beginning of another, where his wisdom and skill will continue to enrich global franchise cricket. IPL will miss Ravichandran Ashwin, but cricket as a whole will continue to cherish his presence.
Disclaimer : This article is written for informational and news reporting purposes only. All statistics and data are sourced from publicly available records at the time of writing.
