R Ashwin announces retirement from IPL, to 'explore' playing in overseas leagues

Ravichandran Ashwin Retirement: Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin on Wednesday bid adieu to cash-rich tournament Indian Premier League (IPL), months after retiring from international cricket.

Ashwin, who has been part of several franchises during his IPL career, last played for Chennai Super Kings in the 2025 season and is now ready to 'explore' other leagues.

"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 said in a post on X.


He thanked all the franchises he had represented in the tournament and expressed gratitude to the IPL and the BCCI. “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 added.


Ashwin had retired from international cricket in December 2024 during the Australia tour after a decorated career in which he became India’s second-highest wicket-taker in Tests with 537 wickets, behind Anil Kumble’s 619.

In the IPL, he was considered one of the sharpest thinkers on the field. Making his debut for Chennai Super Kings in 2009, his last appearance also came in the yellow jersey in 2025 after rejoining the franchise for Rs 9.75 crore at the mega auction, ending a decade-long gap.

Across 220 IPL matches, Ashwin took 187 wickets at an average of 30.22, with best bowling figures of 4/34. With the bat, he scored 833 runs with a highest of 50 and an average of 13.02.

He was part of CSK’s championship-winning sides in 2010 and 2011 and went on to represent Rising Pune Supergiant, Punjab Kings, Delhi Capitals, and Rajasthan Royals during his IPL career.

In his final season in 2025, Ashwin featured in nine matches for CSK, managing seven wickets in a difficult campaign that saw the team finish at the bottom of the table.