Ravichandran Ashwin has ended his long IPL journey. The veteran offspinner announced his retirement from the league on X. He also hinted that he will continue to play franchise cricket in other countries.
“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,” Ravichandran Ashwin posted.
A Glorious IPL Journey for Ravichandran Ashwin
Ashwin made his IPL debut in 2009 for Chennai Super Kings. He became a key player in their title wins in 2010 and 2011. In the 2010 season, he took 13 wickets. In 2011, he took 20 wickets, including Chris Gayle’s prized wicket in the final against RCB. He also played a big role in CSK’s Champions League T20 victories in 2010 and 2014.
Over the years, Ravichandran Ashwin played for many franchises. After his first stint with CSK, he joined Rising Pune Supergiant in 2016 when CSK was banned. He missed the 2017 season due to injury. In 2018, Punjab Kings bought him for INR 7.60 crore and even made him captain. He picked 25 wickets in two seasons, but Punjab did not reach the playoffs.
ALSO READ Ravichandran Ashwin Predicts Overseas Stars to Fetch Big Bids in IPL 2026 Mini-Auction
He then moved to Delhi Capitals in 2020. In 2022, Rajasthan Royals signed him for INR 5 crore. At RR, he partnered with Yuzvendra Chahal to form a strong spin attack. He had two good seasons before a dip in 2024, when he took only nine wickets.
Earlier this year, CSK brought him back for INR 9.75 crore in what looked like a dream homecoming. But his final season was quiet. He played nine matches and picked only seven wickets.
In total, Ravichandran Ashwin played 221 IPL matches and took 187 wickets. He finishes as the fifth-highest wicket-taker in IPL history. He featured in 16 of the 18 IPL seasons.
Ashwin’s IPL chapter has closed, but his cricket story continues. The 38-year-old now looks ready to take his skills to T20 leagues around the world.
