Ravichandran Ashwin retires from IPL: Career highlights and Probable next assignments
Ravichandran Ashwin, one of the most perceptive minds and premier off-spinners in world cricket, has officially called time on his illustrious IPL career. Renowned for his unswerving commitment to innovation, deep cricketing intellect, and an outspoken demeanour that challenged cricket orthodoxy, Ashwin leaves the league as much more than a statistically accomplished player.
Highlights of Ashwin’s IPL career
Ashwin’s IPL odyssey began with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in 2009. What followed was a 16-season journey marked by excellence, adaptability, and a fascinating ability to out-think batters. Over 221 matches, Ashwin picked up 187 wickets, finishing as the league’s fifth-highest wicket-taker, with an economy of 7.20 and an average of 30.22.
His zenith with CSK came early, clinching back-to-back titles in 2010 and 2011, where his ‘carrom ball’ and quick wits proved decisive on big occasions. More than just gripping the ball, Ashwin gripped moments, turning the course of games with subtle variations and icy composure. CSK’s fortress at Chepauk roared loudest when Ashwin was on song, his spells often setting up victories or stifling opposition charges.
After CSK, Ashwin became the captain at Punjab Kings (then Kings XI Punjab), where he was handed the mantle to lead, a rare honour for a spinner in the IPL. While team fortunes fluctuated, Ashwin’s tactical acumen was always at the forefront, often employing new field placements and inventive strategies. Later stints with Rising Pune Supergiant, Delhi Capitals, and Rajasthan Royals showcased his versatility, including being used as a lower-order pinch-hitter and even as a defensive anchor in crunch chases.
Special day and hence a special beginning.
— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) August 27, 2025
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🤓.
Would like to thank all the franchisees for all the…
Ashwin’s IPL Stats at a Glance
Ashwin also contributed 833 runs, including a half-century, showcasing his willingness to adapt and contribute in any way possible for his team. Across his journey, he also bagged two Champions League T20 titles with CSK.
Read More: Cheteshwar Pujara retires: ‘The Rock’ of Indian cricket who stood firm like ‘The Wall’
Ravichandran Ashwin: The analyst and thinker
Ashwin is celebrated as much for his brain as for his bowling. A student of the game, he is known to watch hours of footage, dissecting batters and devising plans often before stepping onto the field. Over the last few years, Ashwin transformed his preparation through meticulous video analytics, studying batters’ triggers in slow-motion, identifying subtle cues, and building specific split-screen comparisons.
Ashwin’s on-field innovation was matched by his strong off-field opinions as well. Throughout his IPL and international career, he was a rare voice willing to provoke debates and question unwritten rules, most memorably during the ‘Mankad’ run-out controversy and his advocacy for fair play and tactical fairness.
He has challenged even senior cricketing hierarchies, articulated detailed explanations for his decisions, and held court on difficult topics, from workload management to the role of spinners in T20s. Ashwin’s forthright, nuanced, and sometimes uncompromising stands have made him a respected thought leader among peers and fans alike.
Read More: Ravichandran Ashwin, the old warhorse, back to where it all began at CSK
Probable future assignments
What’s next for Ashwin, the inveterate student and explorer? True to form, he announced his IPL exit as not an ending but a ‘special beginning.’ Ashwin has stated he will now look to ply his trade in overseas T20 leagues as a free agent, with strong links to The Hundred and other global competitions.
Simultaneously, Ashwin has already started stepping into mentorship and coaching roles. Videos have surfaced of him guiding young cricketers in the nets, passing on his trademark batting technique and tactical nous. There is widespread agreement among pundits that Ashwin is destined for leading roles as a coach, mentor, and possibly cricket analyst, a natural extension for someone who has already inspired the next generation of Indian spinners with his creativity, discipline, and tactical expertise.
He is also likely to remain a regular and influential commentator, on social media, on his YouTube channel, and in the global cricket discourse, helping drive conversations about the game’s evolution well after his playing days.
Overall,the story of Ravichandran Ashwin in the IPL is not only about records and trophies, but about a mind that refused to stop questioning, learning, and influencing the game’s future.
Read More: IPL: Who could be Rajasthan Royals captain after Sanju Samson’s exit?
Top Twitter Reactions as Ravichandran Ashwin announces his retirement for IPL
The finest finger spinner to play the IPL. Constantly innovating, constantly challenging himself and staying relevant even as the game changed and bats became weapons. @ashwinravi99, well played. #IPL. You played for five teams but my image of you is in yellow when you first…
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) August 27, 2025
Life comes in a full circle ♾️💛
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) August 27, 2025
The journey that began as a Super King, ends as a Super King.
Forever a lion, forever one of us! 🦁✨
Thank you for the Yellovely memories, Ash! #ThankYouAsh #WhistlePodu pic.twitter.com/kmfC0FVgwF
A remarkable #TATAIPL career 👌 🏆🏆
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) August 27, 2025
Thank you for the memories R. Ashwin 🙌
Wishing you the best for the future 👍@ashwinravi99 pic.twitter.com/8PVpUXCVfm
