R Ashwin Brings Curtain Down on 'IPL Cricketer' Phase, Ready to Explore Global Cricket Leagues

India’s legendary off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin officially announced his retirement from the Indian Premier League (IPL) on August 27, 2025, bidding farewell to a spectacular 17-year journey in the league. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Ashwin described the day as “special,” marking both an end and a new beginning, as he vows to embrace opportunities across the cricketing world’s various leagues.

Ashwin’s Statement

In his heartfelt message, Ashwin wrote,

“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 wonderful memories and relationships over the years, and most importantly the IPL and BCCI for what they have given me until now. Look forward to enjoying and making the most of what’s ahead of me."

The former captain and Indian star spinner ends IPL cricket as the fifth-highest wicket-taker, having claimed 187 wickets in 221 matches at an economy rate of 7.2.

IPL Career Highlights

Ashwin’s IPL career is a story of consistency, innovation, and adaptation:

• Teams Represented: Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Rising Pune Supergiant, Punjab Kings (formerly Kings XI Punjab), Delhi Capitals, Rajasthan Royals. He returned to CSK in 2025, his hometown franchise.

• Trophies: Won IPL titles twice with CSK (2010 and 2011) and two Champions League T20 trophies.

• Records: Fifth-highest wicket-taker in IPL history; only traditional finger-spinner in the top eight.

• Batting: While primarily a bowler, Ashwin improved his hitting over the years, scoring 833 runs with a strike rate of 118.15 and a solitary half-century.

Despite his long tenure, Ashwin’s 2025 IPL campaign was one of the most challenging, playing only nine matches—his fewest in a single season since his debut in 2009—and he recorded his highest economy rate of 9.12.

Beyond the IPL: International and Domestic Milestones

Ashwin retired from international cricket in December 2024, concluding a stellar India career with over 500 Test wickets, making him India’s second-highest wicket-taker in the longest format. Known for his sharp cricketing brain and strategic bowling, Ashwin has six Test centuries to his name, a remarkable achievement for a bowler.

Future Plans: Exploring Worldwide Leagues

The retirement from IPL allows Ashwin to pursue playing opportunities in global T20 leagues such as:

• Big Bash League (BBL) in Australia

• SA20 League in South Africa

• International League T20 (ILT20) in the UAE

• The Hundred in England

• Caribbean Premier League (CPL) in the West Indies

Ashwin’s state mate, Dinesh Karthik, set the precedent by retiring from IPL in 2024 and subsequently joining the SA20 league while taking up coaching roles in India.

Adapting and Evolving

Ashwin’s ability to remain relevant in the fast-changing T20 landscape is notable. As one of the few finger-spinners thriving in the IPL, he adapted by refining his variations and improving his batting, often opening in the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) to become a more impactful hitter.

He also holds the unique IPL records of being the first spinner to bowl a super over and the first to run out a non-striker without delivering the ball, adding a dash of innovation to his career.

Legacy and Gratitude

Ashwin’s journey—from a young, uncapped spinner picked by CSK in 2009 to a global cricket icon—is marked by dedication and constant learning. His announcement reflects not just a farewell but a tribute to the league and the relationships he built over nearly two decades.

As he said, this is a “special day and hence a special beginning,” emphasizing that endings pave the way for exciting new chapters.

R Ashwin: IPL Career At A Glance