R. Ashwin Calls Time on IPL Career: A Look Back at the Spin Wizard's Defining Moments

Right-arm off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin called it quits on his IPL career through a social media post on Wednesday. The finger spinner played 221 matches and picked up 187 wickets, finishing as the fifth-highest wicket-taker in the history of the tournament. A Test legend, the Tamil Nadu-born cricketer always found ways to reinvent himself and adapt to the fast-paced demands of the T20 ecosystem.

The 38-year-old started and ended his IPL journey with his home team, Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Over the years, he also represented Rising Pune Supergiants, Delhi Capitals, Rajasthan Royals, and even captained Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) during his stint there. Ashwin won the IPL twice with CSK, in 2010 and 2011, and after spending eight seasons with different franchises, he made a return to CSK in IPL 2025. However, it turned out to be a challenging and disappointing homecoming, as he played only nine matches and recorded his highest-ever season economy rate of 9.12 runs per over.

With his retirement, Ashwin will now be eligible to play in foreign franchise leagues, much like Dinesh Karthik, who went on to play in the South African T20 league after retiring from the IPL. The Board of Control for Cricket in India, as per its rules, does not allow any current Indian player to participate in overseas T20 leagues. Though Ashwin's exit was marred by controversy, his 18-year IPL stint was nothing short of exemplary.

Dismissing Chris Gayle in the IPL 2011 Final

In the 2011 IPL final between CSK and RCB, Ashwin produced a match-defining moment by dismissing the ever-dangerous Chris Gayle in the very first over. It was a massive breakthrough and a significant jolt for RCB, helping CSK defend their title successfully. MS Dhoni handed the ball to Ashwin, and he got the better of the southpaw to set the tone for a title win.

Personal Best Bowling Figures in 2016 - 4/34

During his stint with new entrant Rising Pune Supergiant in 2016, Ashwin recorded his best-ever IPL bowling figures of 4/34 against Kings XI Punjab. It was a classic Ashwin spell against a team he would later captain in the latter half of his career.

Kings XI Captaincy - 2018

Ashwin also wore the captain's armband in the IPL, leading the Punjab Kings (earlier Kings XI Punjab) in 2018. The team won six games out of 14 matches, finishing seventh in the points table.

The 'Mankad' Controversy with Jos Buttler - 2019

Ashwin's most talked-about IPL moment came in 2019, when he ran out Jos Buttler at the non-striker's end while playing for Kings XI Punjab. The dismissal, commonly referred to as a 'Mankad,' sparked massive debate about the 'spirit of cricket.' While some criticised Ashwin, others praised him for staying within the rules. Kings XI Punjab won the match by 14 runs. The controversy was later put to rest when Ashwin and Buttler became teammates at the Rajasthan Royals three years later.

Tactical Retired Out - IPL 2022

Always in the news for his unconventional thinking, Ashwin became the first player in IPL history to be tactically retired out. Playing for Rajasthan Royals against Lucknow Super Giants, he walked off after scoring 28 off 23 balls, allowing another batter to take over at a crucial stage. The move made headlines and showcased Ashwin's readiness to think differently for the team's benefit.

Player of the Match in Eliminator - 2024

In a do-or-die match against a high-flying Royal Challengers Bangalore, Ashwin displayed his big-match temperament once again. He took 2/19 and derailed RCB's middle order completely. Rajasthan Royals chased the target, and Ashwin's performance earned him the Player of the Match award, reminding every one of his ability to deliver when it mattered the most.