Chennai Super Kings (CSK) veteran Ravichandran Ashwin has officially announced his retirement from the Indian Premier League (IPL) ahead of the 2026 auction. CSK had re-signed Ashwin during the 2025 mega auction after a nine-year gap, paying ₹9.75 crore for his services.
The 38-year-old had a challenging season, taking only seven wickets in nine matches with an average of 40.42, a strike rate of 26.5, and an economy rate of 9.12. CSK also struggled overall, ending the season at the bottom of the points table.
According to ESPNcricinfo on August 11, Ashwin had previously sought clarity from the team management regarding his role in IPL 2026. On Wednesday, August 27, the seasoned spinner confirmed his retirement from the league through a post on X, marking the end of his illustrious IPL journey.
“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,” he added.
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…
— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) August 27, 2025
R Ashwin Bids Farewell To IPL As Fifth-Highest Wicket-Taker
Reflecting on Ravichandran Ashwin’s IPL career, he made his debut for Chennai Super Kings in 2009 and remained with the team until 2015. He then represented Rising Pune Supergiant in 2016, Punjab Kings from 2018 to 2019, Delhi Capitals between 2020 and 2021, and Rajasthan Royals from 2022 to 2024, before returning to CSK in 2025.
Over the course of 221 IPL matches, the off-spinner took 187 wickets at an average of 30.22, with a strike rate of 25.1 and an economy rate of 7.20, ranking as the fifth-highest wicket-taker in IPL history. He also contributed 833 runs, including one half-century, and was part of CSK’s title-winning squads in 2011 and 2012.
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