Ravichandran Ashwin, the world's most renowned spinner in the game of cricket, has retired from the Indian Premier League (IPL) officially, bringing an astonishing chapter to the league's history. With his keen cricketing brain, ball-with-a-flair innovations, and outspoken on-field choices, Ashwin passes on a legacy that is as iconic as it is contentious.
Ashwin began his IPL career with his home franchise Chennai Super Kings (CSK), quickly becoming a trusted weapon under MS Dhoni’s captaincy. His variations, especially the carrom ball, turned him into a match-winner during CSK’s title runs. Later, he represented Rising Pune Supergiant, Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings), Delhi Capitals, Rajasthan Royals, and finally returned to CSK for his swansong season in 2025.
Throughout franchises, Ashwin not only delivered wickets but also an element of surprise reinventing himself all the time and adjusting to various team combinations.
No discourse on Ashwin's IPL legacy is complete without a look back at his infamous dismissal of Jos Buttler in 2019. The so-called "Mankading" affair, in which Ashwin dismissed Buttler at the non-striker's end before bowling the ball, polarized the cricket world. Some called it against the spirit of the game, while others justified it as being in strict accordance with the rules.
The episode mirrored Ashwin's aggressive style unembarrassed about criticism, always mindful of the winning advantage. It guaranteed his name to be etched in IPL discussions forever.
Apart from controversies, Ashwin's statistics emphasize his consistency. With more than 170 IPL wickets, he is one of the top spinners in the league. His skill to bowl during the powerplay, restrict runs in middle overs, and provide match-winning breakthroughs made him every captain's dream.
Ashwin's strategic acumen was equally important tellingly advising captains in field setup, bowling changes, and even coming up with deliveries such as the "reverse carrom ball." He was not merely a bowler; he was a thinking cricketer who crafted games.
Ashwin's IPL retirement signifies the closing of an era when ability met brain. For fans, he will be a bowler who refused to conform consistently either with his art or his approach. Questionable at times, but always striking Ashwin's IPL record is one of audacity, brilliance, and unrelenting competitiveness.
