Ashwin Retires From IPL! Fans Shocked by His Big Announcement on Future Plans
Ravichandran Ashwin retires from the IPL after 14 years, finishing with 187 wickets, and will now explore overseas leagues.
Ravichandran Ashwin, one of the most influential spinners in the IPL, has called time on his 14-year-long career in the league. The 38-year-old announced his decision on social media, saying that while his IPL journey has ended, a fresh chapter of playing in global leagues now begins.
“Special day and hence a special beginning. 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,” Ashwin wrote on X, thanking all the franchises, the BCCI and the IPL for the memories.
Fourth-highest wicket-taker in IPL
Ashwin finishes as the fourth-highest wicket-taker in IPL history, with 187 wickets from 221 matches. He played for Chennai Super Kings, Rising Pune Supergiant, Punjab Kings, Delhi Capitals and Rajasthan Royals. Fittingly, his final season was with CSK, the franchise where he made his debut back in 2009.
During his stint with CSK, he won back-to-back titles in 2010 and 2011 and became known for opening the bowling in the Powerplay, a move that was popularised under MS Dhoni’s captaincy. Across all his years, he claimed 56 wickets for his home franchise.
Controversy And Leadership Stint
Ashwin also led Punjab Kings in 2018 and 2019, though the team finished mid-table both years. In 2019, he found himself at the centre of one of the IPL’s most debated incidents when he ran out Jos Buttler at the non-striker’s end, sparking heated debates on the “spirit of cricket.”
What’s Next For Ashwin?
With BCCI restrictions no longer binding, Ashwin is now free to explore opportunities in overseas leagues such as the Big Bash, The Hundred, SA20 or CPL. He already represents Dindigul Dragons in the Tamil Nadu Premier League and could soon follow in the footsteps of Dinesh Karthik, who played in South Africa’s SA20 earlier this year.
Ashwin’s IPL retirement comes nine months after he bid farewell to international cricket. His ability to reinvent himself and his sharp cricketing mind have left a lasting legacy in the league. Now, fans are eager to see how his next chapter unfolds on foreign shores.
