Ravichandran Ashwin Retires from IPL, Eyes Global Play & Coaching
In a landmark decision that marks the end of an era in Indian franchise cricket, the veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has officially announced his retirement from the Indian Premier League (IPL). The announcement, made through a social media post on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, brings the curtain down on a celebrated 16-season journey in the world's most popular T20 league. This move comes just months after he retired from international cricket, signaling a clear shift in his career priorities.
While his playing days in the IPL may be over, Ashwin's cricketing journey is far from finished. The 38-year-old, known for his tactical genius and constant innovation, has a clear vision for the future. He has expressed a desire to become an "explorer of the game around various leagues," and has even hinted at a potential move into coaching, with a strong emphasis on a player-cum-coach role in overseas leagues.
The End of an IPL Legacy
Ravichandran Ashwin’s IPL career began with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in 2009. He was a pivotal figure in their back-to-back title triumphs in 2010 and 2011, and he went on to represent five different franchises during his journey, including Rising Pune Supergiant, Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings), Delhi Capitals, and Rajasthan Royals, before making a homecoming to CSK in the IPL 2025 mega auction. He was bought back by the franchise for a significant sum, and though his final season with CSK was not a great one in terms of performance, his tactical acumen and adaptability remained widely respected.
With 187 wickets from 221 matches at an impressive economy rate of 7.20, Ashwin retires as the fifth-highest wicket-taker in the history of the league. His contribution was not limited to his bowling; he also chipped in with 833 runs with the bat, including a half-century. His "retire out" incident in IPL 2022 and his "Mankading" of Jos Buttler in 2019 made him a figure of constant debate and discussion, but they also cemented his reputation as one of the most cerebral and assertive cricketers in the game.
Ashwin explained the reason for his decision on his YouTube channel, "I was thinking if I can play IPL next year. Three months of IPL is a little too much for me. It's draining. This is one of the reasons why I'm in awe of seeing someone like MS Dhoni. As you grow older, the bandwidth to play IPL becomes lesser." This statement reveals the physical and mental toll of the grueling IPL schedule and highlights his desire to manage his workload more effectively in the twilight of his career.
A New Chapter: Global Leagues and Coaching Ambitions
With his retirement from all forms of Indian cricket, Ashwin is now free to pursue opportunities in various T20 leagues around the world. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) regulations prohibit male Indian players who are still active in domestic or international cricket from participating in overseas leagues. By retiring from the IPL, Ashwin has effectively opened a new door for himself.
He has already hinted at his future plans, stating that he has registered for one of the leagues and is exploring opportunities in others. He has been linked with leagues like The Hundred in England, the Big Bash League (BBL) in Australia, and the SA20 in South Africa. The prospect of an Indian star of Ashwin's stature playing in these leagues is a game-changer and could significantly boost their viewership and appeal. Ashwin himself seems excited about the prospect of playing in a more relaxed environment, stating, "Playing around the world outside India is fun as nobody knows who you are. You can enjoy it thoroughly."
Beyond his playing ambitions, Ashwin is also keen to explore a career in coaching. He has been widely regarded as a 'thinking cricketer,' and his insights and tactical understanding of the game are unparalleled. He has even revealed that while playing for the Rajasthan Royals, he had discussions about a player-cum-coach role, a concept that is not common in the IPL. He believes that such a role could be possible in overseas leagues.
Ashwin's experience as a captain-cum-coach in the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) over the past two years has given him a taste of this dual responsibility. He stated that this experience has been invaluable in his learning process. He believes that coaching is a natural progression for him, and he wants to continue learning and contributing to the game.
The Chennai Super Kings Connection
While Ashwin will no longer be an active player for the Chennai Super Kings, his connection with the franchise remains strong. He will continue to be a part of the CSK setup in a non-playing capacity, providing his expertise and insights to the team. His relationship with the franchise, which began in 2009, has been a long and fruitful one, and his role will now evolve to one of mentorship and guidance, helping to shape the next generation of CSK cricketers.
This transition from player to a non-playing role within the same franchise is a testament to the respect and rapport he has built with the team management and his teammates.
Conclusion
Ravichandran Ashwin's retirement from the IPL marks the end of an illustrious chapter in his cricketing career. He leaves behind a rich legacy of innovation, intelligence, and consistent performance. While his absence will be felt by fans of the league, his decision to explore global leagues and coaching is a bold and exciting move. It not only opens up new avenues for him but also paves the way for other Indian cricketers to consider a similar path after their careers in India are over. As Ashwin embarks on this "new beginning," the cricketing world will be watching with great interest to see what the future holds for one of the game's greatest thinkers
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