By Sushant Agarwal
Published on | Aug 27, 2025
Ravichandran Ashwin, India’s star off-spinner, retires from IPL after 16 years of triumphs, innovation, and memorable performances.
Ashwin’s IPL journey began in 2009 with Chennai Super Kings, winning trophies in 2010 and 2011, showcasing his brilliance and tactical genius.
With CSK suspended, Ashwin joined Rising Pune Supergiants in 2016–17, displaying sharp skills & tactical brilliance despite the team missing the final
Ashwin captained Punjab Kings, trying new strategies and field placements, adding a fresh dimension to his IPL career despite missing playoffs.
With Delhi Capitals, Ashwin boosted their spin attack with Axar Patel, and his key performances helped DC reach their first IPL final in 2020.
At Rajasthan Royals, Ashwin’s versatility and all-round impact shone as RR reached the IPL final, narrowly missing out on the championship.
In a fairytale return, Ashwin rejoined CSK for ₹9.75 crore, ending his IPL journey where it began, evoking nostalgia among fans.
Ashwin’s 2019 Mankading of Jos Buttler stirred a global spirit-of-cricket debate, defining him as a fearless player who stood by the rules.
In 2022, Ashwin made history as the first IPL player to retire out for tactics, sparking debate over strategy versus sportsmanship in T20s.
Ashwin’s YouTube reveal that CSK was ready to pay extra for Brevis mid-season made headlines, with the team later clarifying all rules were followed.
Ashwin drew flak for discussing CSK’s strategies on YouTube. Amid controversies, he stopped reviewing or previewing CSK games in IPL 2025.
Over 220 IPL matches, Ashwin took 187 wickets at 30.22 with a best of 4/34, and scored 833 runs including a fifty.
Ashwin was more than just a player; he was an innovator, a strategist, and a provocateur who ensured he could never be ignored.