One of India’s greatest cricketers, Ravichandran Ashwin, has officially announced his retirement from the Indian Premier League (IPL), bringing an end to his illustrious career in Indian cricket. Ashwin, who last represented the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the 2025 season, had already retired from international cricket in December 2024, ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia.
His decision comes as a surprise, as there were strong speculations linking him with a return to the Rajasthan Royals for the 2026 IPL season.
Ashwin’s Farewell Message
In a heartfelt post on X (formerly Twitter), Ashwin reflected on his journey and revealed his future plans:
“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.”
He expressed gratitude towards franchises, teammates, the BCCI, and the IPL for shaping his career and said he was excited to experience cricket in different parts of the world.
Why Ashwin Quit IPL
According to BCCI’s policy, no Indian cricketer can participate in overseas leagues unless they have retired from both international cricket and the IPL. Ashwin’s decision to step away from the tournament indicates his interest in exploring global franchise cricket.
Ashwin’s IPL Legacy
-
Debut: 2009
-
Matches Played: 221
-
Wickets: 187
-
Average: 30.22
-
Economy Rate: 7.20
-
Strike Rate: 25.2
-
Best Bowling: 4/34
-
-
Batting Record: 833 runs in 92 innings
-
Average: 13.01
-
Strike Rate: 118.15
-
Highest Score: 50
-
Ashwin was renowned not only as a premier off-spinner but also as a handy contributor with the bat, particularly in the latter stages of his IPL career.
What’s Next for Ashwin?
While retiring from Indian cricket, Ashwin confirmed his desire to participate in foreign T20 leagues, marking a new chapter in his career. With his experience, tactical brilliance, and adaptability, he is expected to be a valuable asset in franchise cricket worldwide.
