Ravichandran Ashwin Retires from IPL: Legendary Spinner Ends Career as 5th Highest Wicket-Taker in Tournament

New Delhi (India) August 27: On Wednesday, August 27, retired Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin announces his retirement from the Indian Premier League. Ashwin makes the announcement on his social media accounts. The legendary spinner took 187 wickets in 221 games during his IPL career.

Ashwin ends his career as the tournament's fifth-highest wicket-taker. He is behind Piyush Chawla, Yuzvendra Chahal, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and Sunil Narine. He has also scored 833 runs. Ashwin also scores a half century for the Rajasthan Royals. 

Ashwin announces retirement with emotional social media post

R Ashwin posts, “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. 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," on his social media accounts on Wednesday. 

Played for five teams, including emotional CSK homecoming in 2025

During his time in the Indian Premier League, Ashwin has also captained the Punjab team. He has played for five different teams. He played for the Delhi Capitals, Rajasthan Royals, Punjab Kings, Chennai Super Kings, and Rising Pune Supergiants during his IPL career.

The spinner played for his native team, CSK, in his final season. In his nine tournament matches, he took seven wickets and scored 33 runs. 

Ashwin previously said before the 2026 season, he had asked the Chennai Super Kings for clarification. It was an emotional homecoming for the former India spinner in the IPL 2025 season. CSK purchased Ashwin for Rs 9.75 crore during the IPL 2025 mega-auction. Nevertheless, Ashwin's campaign was a forgettable one because his performances were not up to the mark.

Ashwin had earlier expressed his desire to leave the franchise to CSK. The veteran cricket player was quite helpful. He stated that he would be better off leaving if the management did not think he would fit into their plans for the upcoming season.

He ended his international career nine months before his IPL retirement. During the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, the 38-year-old indicated he was done when he met with former captain Rohit Sharma for a press conference. The press conference took place after India drew the Gabba Test against Australia.

Ashwin now free to explore cricket leagues around the world

Ashwin has consistently said that he wants to play in other competitions throughout the world. The regulations state that players who have contracts with the BCCI are not permitted to participate in any foreign league, with the exception of the IPL. However, Ashwin is free to explore as much as he wants now that his time as an "Indian" cricket player is over.