CSK stalwart and veteran of the game Ravichandran Ashwin has announced his retirement from IPL. This news comes a month after he announced his retirement from the international stage.
Ashwin shared the news on his social media account to update his fan base. However, he also clarified that he is not stepping down from the game altogether and will be venturing into other leagues.
Ashwin announce IPL retirement
“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.
“I 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🙏,” Ashwin wrote on his X account.
This doesn’t come as a shock to anyone. From his performance in the last season, it appeared to be obvious that the player was struggling to keep up with the competition.
Ashwin himself addressed the same issue when he mentioned how he didn’t feature in all league games for the team. Following this, he had also sought clarity on the role from the franchise.
Only days after the incident, the player announced his retirement from the league, leaving fans and pundits wondering what the conversation would have been like.
Ravichandran Ashwin CSK stats
| Franchise | Matches | Runs | Wickets | Fifties | Fifers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chennai Super Kings | 97 | 223 | 90 | 0 | 0 |
The stalwart of Chennai had his first breakthrough in IPL and later in international cricket, while representing Chennai Super Kings.
He joined the team in 2009 and captivated the fans and selectors in 2010 with his unique action and cricketing wit, which was second to none.
What really stood out for everyone was his performance under pressure. He clinched the wicket of Chris Gayle in an IPL final. Bowling against a batter who considers spinners as an easy target, that too with a new ball, is never easy. Ashwin not only took up the responsibility but also removed Gayle to prove his arrival on the biggest stage.
Ashwin IPL stats
| Franchise | Matches | Runs | Wickets | Fifties | Fifers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rising Pune Supergiant | 14 | 23 | 10 | 0 | 0 |
| Punjab Kings (KXIP) | 28 | 90 | 25 | 0 | 0 |
| Delhi Capitals | 28 | 81 | 20 | 0 | 0 |
| Rajasthan Royals | 54 | 416 | 42 | 1 | 0 |
| Total | 221 | 833 | 187 | 1 | 0 |
In the next few years, Ashwin represented various IPL teams, including PBKS, where he also served as captain, as well as Delhi Capitals and Rajasthan Royals. He had a great outing with all of them before returning to CSK in 2025 and eventually retiring.
The stalwart has featured in 221 IPL games, during which he has scored 833 runs, with a highest score of 50. However, with the ball in hand, it’s a different story.
Ashwin has claimed 187 wickets in the tournament history, making him the fourth-highest wicket-taker. He picked up those wickets while bowling with an economy of 7.2 and a strike rate of 25.
For us in yellow, Ashwin will never just be another IPL player—he’s a piece of CSK’s soul. From that unforgettable Gayle wicket in the 2011 final to the crafty spells that set him apart, he carried the Super Kings spirit wherever he went. His return in 2025 felt like a homecoming, a full circle moment for a man who first made his name in Chennai.
Yes, his IPL chapter is over, but for CSK fans, Ashwin’s story will always glow in gold. The numbers will fade in time, but the pride he gave us never will. Once a Super King, always a Super King.
