Veteran Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has called time on his Indian Premier League (IPL) career. His statement marked the ending of a 16-year journey in the world’s premier T20 league. The 38-year-old made the announcement on Wednesday via social media. He said while his IPL chapter has closed, his playing days are far from over.
“They say every ending will have a new start. My time as an IPL cricketer comes to a close today. Yet, my time as an explorer of the game around various leagues begins today,” Ashwin wrote on X. “Look forward to enjoying and making the most of what’s ahead of me,” he added.
Ashwin began and concluded his IPL career with his home team Chennai Super Kings. He played for five franchises over the years. These include Rising Pune Supergiant, Kings XI Punjab, Delhi Capitals, and, most recently, Rajasthan Royals. Ashwin leaves the IPL as the tournament’s fifth-highest wicket-taker, having claimed 187 wickets in 221 matches at an economy rate of 7.2.
His sharp mind, calm demeanor, and wide array of variations made him a mainstay in many teams over the years, particularly in pressure situations. True, he wasn’t always the most flamboyant player on the field. Yet, Ashwin’s consistency and cricketing intelligence earned him widespread respect.
The announcement marks yet another transition for Ashwin. During his international career, the off-spinner captured 537 Test wickets, 156 in One-Day Internationals, and 72 in T20 Internationals. In Tests, he stands second only to Anil Kumble among India’s highest wicket-takers.
Ashwin debuted in Test cricket against the West Indies in 2011, earning the Player of the Match award with match figures of nine for 128. He went on to take eight ten-wicket hauls in Tests. He also impressed with the bat, scoring six centuries across his 106-match career.
His final international appearance came during the second Test against Australia in December 2024. However, his last T20I dates back to November 2022.
Though Ashwin will no longer be seen in the IPL, his presence in global franchise cricket remains a possibility. However, current rules set by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) prohibit players active in Indian domestic or international cricket from featuring in overseas leagues. Now retired, Ashwin is free to pursue opportunities in leagues around the world.
