R Ashwin IPL Retirement 2025: CSK Star Bids Farewell

R Ashwin IPL Retirement 2025: In a reality defying announcement to cricket lovers around the world, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin announced his retirement from the Indian Premier League (IPL) on Wednesday. The veteran bowler thanked the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the IPL for the “wonderful memories” he cherished during his career.

In a post on social media platform X, Ashwin stated, “A big day calls for a different start”. It is believed, every end leads to a new beginning. Today marks the end of my journey as an IPL cricketer, but also the kick off of my discovery of the game in other leagues.

Ashwin thanked all the teams for whom he played, and thanked the IPL and Rogers and BCCI for the impact on his cricketing journey. His farewell message hinted at a new beginning possibly in foreign T20 leagues.

Prithi Narayanan Was Emotional

Soon after the announcement, Ashwin’s wife Prithi Narayanan went on Instagram with an emotional message. She stated, “I love you! @rashwin99 Can’t wait to see you do great things and aim even higher.”

Her post expressed hope and pride, suggesting encouragement as Ashwin prepares to begin new cricketing avenues outside of the IPL.

An Amazing IPL Career

Ashwin ended his IPL career with 187 wickets in 221 matches, meaning he was the fifth highest-wicket taker in IPL history with an economy rate of 7.2. He even contributed with the bat, scoring 833 runs at a strike rate of 118, with one half-century.

The off-spinner’s IPL career began and ended with CSK, the franchise he associated with the most, and he was instrumental part of two championship-winning campaigns in 2010 and 2011. He also played for Rising Pune Supergiant, Delhi Capitals, Rajasthan Royals, and captained Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings).

However, the IPL 2025 season was far from ideal for the veteran. CSK finished bottom of the table, and Ashwin took only seven wickets in nine matches at an economy rate of 9.13. He even found himself left out of the playing XI at times because of unstable performances.

Removed from the International Game

This decision comes after Ashwin previously retired from international cricket after the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against Australia in December 2024. His last Test was in Brisbane and thus ended a wonderful era in Indian cricket.

What does the future hold for Ashwin?

While his IPL career is officially over, it is possible that Ashwin’s cricketing career will go on in various international T20 leagues. It is also reported he is in conversations with various parties. His options include the Big Bash League (BBL), in Australia, the SA20 in South Africa, and the ILT20 in the UAE.

It is also possible that Ashwin will join The Hundred in England and the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) in the West Indies, which are both currently taking place. This is a similar path to his former teammate Dinesh Karthik, who left the IPL in 2024 and almost immediately signed with Paarl Royals in the SA20.

Ravichandran Ashwin’s retirement from the IPL signifies the end of a chapter for CSK and followers of Indian cricket. His numbers place him as one of the greatest spinners in the tournament’s history, and his retirement allows for new opportunities to demonstrate his talents in international T20 leagues.

For fans reading sports news headlines today, Ashwin’s retirement is probably one of the biggest headlines from the cricketing world. His legacy with CSK and his entire journey in the IPL will take note for all young cricketers, as his next chapter brings exciting attention on the international scene.