Summary
Legendary Farewell: Ravichandran Ashwin’s Powerful IPL Retirement Sparks Debate on His Glorious Career. One of India’s finest spin bowlers, Ravichandran Ashwin, shocked fans earlier this week when he announced his retirement from the Indian Premier League (IPL). The news came as a surprise to cricket lovers, especially because Ashwin, at 38, still had the skills and experience to play a couple more seasons. Former India captain and chief selector Kris Srikkanth also voiced this sentiment, saying Ashwin “could have easily played another two years.” While money, fame, and name were never Ashwin’s concerns, his decision reflects a broader trend among Indian cricketers who may look beyond the IPL towards global T20 leagues.
Ravichandran Ashwin’s IPL Retirement: A Bold Step
Before the start of IPL 2025, Ashwin was signed by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for a whopping INR 9.75 crore. However, his season did not unfold as planned. Despite his vast experience, the veteran off-spinner struggled in the powerplay overs, picking up only seven wickets in nine games, and CSK finished at the bottom of the points table for the very first time. Rumors quickly swirled about Ashwin’s future with CSK, with reports suggesting he had asked the franchise to release him. Later, Ashwin clarified that he had only inquired about CSK’s retention plans.
Still, his announcement to retire from the IPL took everyone by surprise. Srikkanth said on his YouTube channel, “I am not sure why Ashwin retired. If I were in his place, I would have continued playing IPL for at least another two years.”
Why Ashwin’s Decision Stands Out
What makes Ashwin’s IPL retirement remarkable is that he didn’t bow out for financial or reputational reasons. As Srikkanth rightly pointed out, “For Ashwin, money, fame or name is not an issue. He has all of those in abundance.” Instead, Ashwin has chosen to explore opportunities in other T20 leagues across the world.
This move could inspire other Indian cricketers nearing the twilight of their IPL careers to take a similar path. While leagues outside India may not offer the same visibility as the IPL, they provide a platform to continue playing competitive cricket, sharing experience, and contributing to the sport globally.
Ashwin’s Glorious IPL Career Numbers
Across his illustrious IPL journey, Ravichandran Ashwin represented CSK, Punjab Kings (formerly Kings XI Punjab), Delhi Capitals, and Rajasthan Royals. His stats speak volumes:
- Matches Played: 221
- Wickets Taken: 187
- Economy Rate: 7.20
- Batting Runs: 833
- Half-Centuries: 1
One of his most iconic IPL moments came in the 2011 final, where he dismissed the dangerous Chris Gayle early, setting the tone for CSK’s victory. Ashwin’s unique ability to be both an attacking wicket-taker and a highly economical bowler made him one of the most reliable performers in the league’s history.
The Debate: IPL vs Global Leagues
Srikkanth believes that although other T20 leagues may offer financial opportunities, they cannot match the recognition, visibility, and prestige of the IPL. He emphasized, “One can play other leagues for the sake of it, but what you get in the IPL, other leagues don’t come close to it.”
That said, Ashwin’s decision might also open doors for retired Indian cricketers to become coaches or marquee players in overseas leagues, spreading the influence of Indian cricket worldwide.
Conclusion
Ravichandran Ashwin’s IPL retirement is not just the end of a chapter—it’s the beginning of a new journey. While fans may have hoped to see him don the CSK jersey for another two years, Ashwin’s decision to explore other avenues highlights his hunger for fresh challenges. With 187 wickets, memorable spells, and countless match-winning moments, he has already cemented his place as one of the greatest IPL cricketers of all time.
His legendary farewell reminds us that sometimes walking away at the right moment is also a sign of greatness.
Note: All images used in this content are sourced from Google. They are used here for informational and illustrative purposes only.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on Ravichandran Ashwin’s IPL Retirement
Q1. Why did Ravichandran Ashwin retire from the IPL?
Ravichandran Ashwin announced his retirement from the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2025, stating that he now wants to explore opportunities in other T20 leagues around the world. His decision was not motivated by money, fame, or recognition, as he already achieved plenty of those through his cricketing journey.
Q2. What did Kris Srikkanth say about Ashwin’s retirement?
Former India captain and chief selector Kris Srikkanth expressed surprise at Ashwin’s retirement, saying the 38-year-old could have played for at least two more IPL seasons. According to him, the recognition and visibility players get in the IPL are unmatched compared to other leagues.
Q3. How did Ashwin perform in his last IPL season with CSK?
Before IPL 2025, Ashwin was signed by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for INR 9.75 crore. However, he managed only 7 wickets in 9 games and was expensive during the powerplays. His underwhelming form was one of the reasons why CSK finished at the bottom of the points table for the first time in their history.
Q4. Which teams did Ravichandran Ashwin represent in the IPL?
Throughout his IPL career, Ashwin played for Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings), Delhi Capitals, and Rajasthan Royals.
Q5. What are Ravichandran Ashwin’s IPL career stats?
- Matches: 221
- Wickets: 187
- Economy rate: 7.20
- Batting runs: 833
- Highest score: 50+ (one half-century)
Q6. What was Ashwin’s most memorable IPL performance?
One of Ashwin’s most memorable IPL moments came in the 2011 final against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), where he dismissed the dangerous Chris Gayle in the opening over, setting the stage for CSK’s victory.
Q7. How is Ashwin remembered as an IPL bowler?
Ashwin is regarded as both an attacking and economical bowler. He had the ability to take wickets while also controlling the run flow, making him one of the most dependable spinners in IPL history.
Q8. Will Ashwin play cricket again after IPL retirement?
Yes, Ashwin has indicated that he will continue playing in other T20 leagues around the world. His retirement is limited only to the IPL and not to cricket as a whole.
Q9. Can Indian players join foreign leagues after IPL retirement?
Yes, once Indian cricketers retire from the IPL and international cricket, they are free to participate in overseas T20 leagues. This trend is expected to grow in the future as more players look for opportunities beyond the IPL.
Q10. What impact does Ashwin’s retirement have on Indian cricket?
Ashwin’s retirement from the IPL marks the end of an era for one of India’s most successful spinners in T20 cricket. However, it also sets a precedent for other Indian players who may choose to retire from the IPL while still continuing their careers in global leagues, coaching roles, or mentorship positions.