Ravichandran Ashwin, an Indian off-spinner, has formally declared his retirement from the Indian Premier League (IPL), after a career spanning more than 15 years. In a social media statement on Wednesday, the 38-year-old made his decision public and said he is excited for what lies ahead.
“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🤓. Would like to thank all the franchisees for all the wonderful memories and relationships over the years and most importantly the @IPL and the @BCCI for what they have given me until now. Look forward to enjoying and making the most of what’s ahead of me,” he wrote on X.
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🤓.
Would like to thank all the franchisees for all the…
— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) August 27, 2025Ravichandran Ashwin finishes as fifth-highest wicket-taker
The spin wizard Ravichandran Ashwin started as a participant of IPL in 2009 with Chennai Super Kings where he also helped them win the title in 2010 and 2011 because of his carrom ball mastery. He had stints with Rising Pune Supergiant, took over the reins as captain of Kings XI Punjab and had a memorable run with Delhi Capitals and Rajasthan Royals where he became the first batter to be tactically retired out.
Ashwin came to CSK once again in 2025 at INR 9.75 crore, nine years after his previous performance with the franchise. His comeback season was sluggish and he took only seven wickets in nine games and his IPL career hacked off in a disillusioned way as CSK finished last in the table.
The Tamil Nadu native participated in 221 IPL games over 16 seasons, taking 187 wickets at an economy rate of 7.20 and ranking seventh in the tournament’s wicket-taking rankings. He contributed by hitting 833 runs, including a half-century, with the bat. He contributed significantly to CSK’s successful campaigns in the 2010 and 2014 CLT20s, taking 30 wickets in 20 games.
