Three important reasons why Ravichandran Ashwin’s IPL retirement could be a mistake

Ravichandran Ashwin, the legendary off-spinner known for his sharp cricketing mind and engaging personality, has always been a constant source of excitement both on and off the field. His clever bowling, tactical acumen, and witty presence in interviews have made him one of the most popular figures in Indian cricket.

In a surprising move, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) announced on Wednesday, August 27, that Ashwin would be retiring from the Indian Premier League. The news came as a shock to fans across the country, who have long admired his contributions to the franchise and the IPL as a whole.

Ashwin has been instrumental for CSK over the years, delivering crucial performances with the ball and adding valuable experience to the team. His retirement marks the end of a remarkable era in the IPL.

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Ravichandran Ashwin Announces Retirement from IPL:

Ravichandran Ashwin played a pivotal role in Chennai Super Kings’ early success, helping the franchise secure their first two IPL titles in 2010 and 2011. Beyond CSK, he also contributed significantly to Delhi Capitals and Rajasthan Royals, guiding them to runner-up finishes in 2020 and 2022, respectively.

Ashwin struggled with the ball during the 2025 IPL, taking just seven wickets in nine games as Chennai Super Kings finished last. He was even left out of CSK’s final matches. Despite this, his sudden decision to retire from the league might be one the experienced Tamil Nadu cricketer could reconsider in the future.

Reports had hinted that Ashwin’s tenure with CSK could be ending ahead of the 2026 auction. He departs the IPL as the fifth-highest wicket-taker, claiming 187 wickets in 221 matches at an impressive economy rate of 7.20. Ashwin confirmed his retirement via a post on his social media, bidding farewell to the league.

He wrote, “ 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 @BCCIfor what they have given me until now. Look forward to enjoying and making the most of what’s ahead of me🙏#cricketforlife”

Three Reasons Ashwin’s IPL Retirement Might Be Mistaken:

With that in mind, here are three key reasons why Ravichandran Ashwin’s decision to retire from the IPL might not be the best choice. Despite his age and recent form, the veteran still has much to offer, both on the field with his skills and off the field as a mentor to younger players.

• Ravichandran Ashwin’s IPL 2025 Return Fails to Impress at Chepauk

Ravichandran Ashwin’s return to Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2025 did not go as smoothly as fans had hoped. Despite high expectations from the hometown crowd, the 38-year-old often struggled to make an impact, even in familiar Chepauk conditions. His performances fell short of the standards that once made him a match-winner.

Several factors contributed to Ashwin’s challenges. With Ravindra Jadeja cemented as a first-choice spinner and Noor Ahmad impressing from the very first match, Ashwin’s role as the third spinner disrupted the balance of the team. This limited opportunities and made it difficult for him to consistently influence matches.

CSK often used Ashwin in various phases of the game without a clear strategy, which affected his consistency. Despite this, other IPL franchises would value a spinner of his caliber, given his experience and proven success at the highest level.

An Indian spinner with Ashwin’s credentials allows teams to maximize their overseas players in batting, pace, and all-round roles. Had CSK released him ahead of the 2026 auction, it’s highly likely that multiple franchises would have shown interest, recognizing the advantage of adding a seasoned and effective spinner to strengthen their squad, even at 38 years of age.

• Ashwin’s True Form Better Than His IPL 2025 Performance Suggests

Ravichandran Ashwin’s IPL 2025 season has been widely criticized by fans and former cricketers. However, a closer look at how he was used by CSK reveals that his role significantly affected his overall performance. The way he was deployed often worked against him, contributing to his disappointing bowling statistics.

CSK’s three-spinner strategy forced Ashwin to bowl during tough phases, particularly the powerplay. In these early overs, he was frequently targeted, conceding runs all around the ground. As a result, he struggled, finishing with an average of 112 and an economy rate of 12.44, numbers that did not reflect his true abilities as an experienced off-spinner.

When Ashwin bowled in the traditional spinner-friendly phases after the power play, his performance was far more effective. Across 22 overs, he claimed six wickets at an excellent average of 22, maintaining a tidy economy rate of 7.77, highlighting his continued skill and impact in the right conditions.

Ravichandran Ashwin recently showcased his all-round abilities in the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL), performing strongly with both bat and ball. In 10 matches, he claimed 13 wickets at an average of 21.53, maintaining an impressive economy rate of 7.36, underlining his continued effectiveness as a bowler.

With the bat, the 38-year-old contributed 297 runs at an average close to 30, striking at 153.88 and hitting two half-centuries. These performances indicate that, outside of the IPL 2025 powerplay struggles, Ashwin remains in excellent form and capable of impactful contributions.

• Spinners of Ashwin’s Caliber Are Rare in the IPL

Bowling all-rounders have always been highly prized in T20 cricket due to their ability to provide balance and flexibility to a team. Their versatility makes them essential for constructing a well-rounded playing XI.

Ravichandran Ashwin possesses a rare combination of skills, excelling both with the ball and the bat. Over the years, teams have deployed him at various batting positions, from No. 3 to 8, depending on the match situation. His experience and adaptability make him a reliable contributor in multiple scenarios.

Having an Indian spinner of Ashwin’s quality also allows franchises to maximize overseas player slots. Apart from Washington Sundar, Ashwin is arguably the best off-spin all-rounder of Test-match standard in India, and many IPL teams would have eagerly sought his services.