Veteran off-spinner R Ashwin has announced his retirement from the Indian Premier League (IPL), bringing an end to a decorated career in the tournament where he finishes as the fifth-highest wicket-taker with 187 wickets at an economy rate of 7.2.
The 38-year-old made the announcement on Wednesday morning via X (formerly Twitter), stating his intention to explore opportunities “around various leagues” across the world. With the BCCI’s regulations barring active Indian players from participating in overseas T20 leagues, Ashwin’s exit from both international and domestic cricket now clears the path for global opportunities.
Ashwin began and ended his IPL career with his home franchise Chennai Super Kings (CSK), where he also lifted the trophy in 2010 and 2011. Between those stints, he represented Rising Pune Supergiant, Delhi Capitals, and Rajasthan Royals, and captained Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings).
His final IPL season in 2025 marked a disappointing homecoming for CSK after eight years away. Bought for INR 9.75 crore in the 2024 mega auction, Ashwin featured in just 9 of 14 matches, his lowest season tally since 2009. He conceded at 9.12 runs per over, the highest economy rate of his IPL career.
Ashwin had already stepped away from international cricket in December 2024, announcing his retirement midway through India’s tour of Australia. He ends as India’s second-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket.
With the IPL chapter now closed, Ashwin follows a path similar to fellow Tamil Nadu cricketer Dinesh Karthik, who retired from the IPL in 2024 and has since featured in overseas leagues such as the SA20. To pursue a similar path, Ashwin will have to step away from the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL), where he has been an enthusiastic and regular participant.
Opportunities now open up for Ashwin in global tournaments such as Australia’s BBL, South Africa’s SA20, the UAE’s ILT20, England’s Hundred, and the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), should franchises be interested.
Ashwin leaves behind a legacy of constant evolution in the T20 format. The only traditional fingerspinner among the IPL’s top eight wicket-takers, he adapted his game over the years, improving his power-hitting to add value with the bat, even opening the innings in the TNPL. He was also a tactical innovator, becoming the first player in IPL history to be retired out and the first to effect a run-out at the non-striker’s end without bowling.
His longevity and adaptability in a format increasingly unfavourable to his bowling style stand as a testament to his cricketing intellect and drive to keep evolving. Ashwin may be done with Indian cricket, but his journey in world cricket is likely far from over.