Ashwin stuns fans with IPL retirement, opens door to overseas leagues

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, says R Ashwin

One of Indian cricket’s greatest modern players, Ravichandran Ashwin, has announced his retirement from the Indian Premier League (IPL), bringing the curtain down on his professional career in Indian cricket.

 

Ashwin, who turned out for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the 2025 season, had earlier retired from international cricket during the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. His decision to step away from the IPL comes as a surprise, particularly as speculation was rife about a possible return to Rajasthan Royals ahead of the 2026 auction.

 

A message to fans

 

In a heartfelt post on X (formerly Twitter), Ashwin reflected on his journey and hinted at a new chapter overseas.

“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 wrote.

 

Ashwin thanked IPL franchises, the league, and the BCCI for the opportunities and memories. “Look forward to enjoying and making the most of what’s ahead of me,” he added.   

 

Why the move matters

 

The decision is linked to BCCI’s policy which prohibits Indian cricketers from participating in overseas franchise leagues while they remain active in international cricket or the IPL. By retiring from both, Ashwin has opened the door to explore opportunities in leagues across the world.

 

Ashwin’s legacy

 

• International career: 94 Tests, 171 wickets in ODIs, 72 in T20Is
• IPL record: More than 180 wickets across stints with CSK, Kings XI Punjab, Delhi Capitals, and Rajasthan Royals
• Accolades: Second-highest Indian wicket-taker in Tests, part of India’s 2011 World Cup-winning squad

 

Known for his sharp cricketing brain and ability to reinvent himself, Ashwin leaves the IPL as one of the most respected bowlers in the league’s history.    Ashwin IPL stats 

Ashwin batting & fielding stats in IPL
Year	Mat	No	Runs	HS	Avg	BF	SR	100	50	4s	6s	CT
Career	221	34	833	50	13.02	705	118.16	0	1	64	29	52
2025	9	0	33	13	8.25	30	110	0	0	3	1	4
2024	15	3	86	29	14.33	74	116.22	0	0	5	4	5
2023	13	4	67	30	11.17	51	131.37	0	0	5	3	1
2022	17	5	191	50	27.29	135	141.48	0	1	14	9	5
2021	13	2	44	20*	14.66	42	104.76	0	0	2	1	3
2020	15	3	37	14*	12.33	34	108.82	0	0	3	1	2
2019	14	1	42	17*	8.4	28	150	0	0	3	3	4
2018	14	1	102	45	12.75	71	143.66	0	0	7	5	5
2016	14	4	41	29	20.5	38	107.89	0	0	3	1	3
2015	14	3	52	23	17.33	32	162.5	0	0	6	1	3
2014	16	3	45	14	15	45	100	0	0	4	0	1
2013	18	1	35	11*	8.75	49	71.42	0	0	4	0	4
2012	19	2	18	8	6	15	120	0	0	2	0	5
2011	16	0	2	2	1	6	33.33	0	0	0	0	4
2010	12	2	30	11*	7.5	40	75	0	0	2	0	1
2009	2	0	8	8	8	15	53.33	0	0	1	0	2

 

Ashwin bowling stats in IPL
Year	Mat	Balls	Runs	WKTS	BBM	Ave	Econ	SR	4W
Career	221	4710	5653	187	4/34	30.23	7.2	25.19	1
2025	9	186	283	7	2/41	40.43	9.13	26.57	0
2024	15	330	467	9	3/24	51.89	8.49	36.67	0
2023	13	294	368	14	2/23	26.29	7.51	21	0
2022	17	402	503	12	3/17	41.92	7.51	33.5	0
2021	13	268	331	7	2/27	47.28	7.41	38.28	0
2020	15	306	391	13	3/29	30.07	7.66	23.53	0
2019	14	330	400	15	3/23	26.66	7.27	22	0
2018	14	304	410	10	2/18	41	8.09	30.4	0
2016	14	264	319	10	4/34	31.9	7.25	26.4	1
2015	14	234	228	10	02/05	22.8	5.84	23.4	0
2014	16	359	437	16	3/30	27.31	7.3	22.43	0
2013	18	348	390	15	2/18	26	6.72	23.2	0
2012	19	395	432	14	3/24	30.85	6.56	28.21	0
2011	16	378	388	20	3/16	19.4	6.15	18.9	0
2010	12	288	293	13	3/16	22.53	6.1	22.15	0
2009	2	24	13	2	2/13	6.5	3.25	12	0

  The big picture

 

Ashwin’s retirement signals the end of an era for Indian cricket, but also underscores a growing trend—elite Indian players looking to test themselves in overseas leagues once their domestic and international obligations conclude.

 

As he steps into this new phase, Ashwin not only carries with him a glittering legacy but also the chance to influence cricketing cultures worldwide. For fans, his departure from the IPL is bittersweet: while one chapter has closed, a new one is just beginning.