Former India off-spinner R Ashwin has retired from Indian cricket. Recently, he announces his decision to step away from the IPL on Wednesday. Ashwin, one of the greats of this premier T20 competition, took 187 wickets during his career, finishing as the 5th highest wicket-taker and making the 7th highest appearances in the tournament’s history with 221 matches played over 16 seasons for five different teams.
R Ashwin announce IPL retirement with heartfelt post
Ashwin started his IPL career in 2009 for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). He became a tournament great, recording the third-highest number of wickets for the five-time champions with 97 wickets over eight seasons.
He was a key player in CSK’s early success from 2010 to 2015, helping the team win the title twice, finishing as runners-up three times, and making the playoffs once in 2014. That year, Kolkata Knight Riders defeated the then Kings XI Punjab. CSK also won a number of seasons in the now-defunct Champions League T20 in 2010 and 2014.
Planned to play in franchise tournaments ahead
“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 in various leagues begins today,” R Ashwin wrote on X (formerly Twitter). He hinted that he will interested in playing in franchise tournaments around the world. There are upcoming player auctions for SA20 and ILT20 next month, and the 38-year-old will explore those options.
“I would like to thank all the franchises for the wonderful memories and relationships over the years. Most importantly, I want to thank @IPL and @BCCI for what they have given me. I look forward to enjoying and making the most of what’s ahead of me,” he added.