Chennai, 27 August 2025:
Ravichandran Ashwin has retired from the Indian Premier League after 16 seasons, calling time on one of the most successful careers by a spinner in the competition.
The 38-year-old off-spinner announced his decision on X on Wednesday, saying he planned to continue playing in overseas leagues.
“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,” Ashwin wrote.
Ashwin made his IPL debut with Chennai Super Kings in 2009 and went on to play 221 matches, taking 187 wickets — the fifth-most in tournament history. He featured in 16 of the 18 IPL seasons.
He was a key figure in CSK’s title-winning sides in 2010 and 2011 and also helped the franchise claim two Champions League T20 titles. In the 2011 IPL final, he famously dismissed Chris Gayle for a duck in Royal Challengers Bangalore’s chase.
After leaving CSK, Ashwin played for Rising Pune Supergiant, Punjab Kings — where he captained for two years — Delhi Capitals and Rajasthan Royals, before returning to CSK in 2025. He finished his last season with seven wickets in nine matches.
Ashwin departs as one of the IPL’s greatest spinners and a cornerstone of CSK’s early dominance.
