Ravi Ashwin Bids Goodbye: Decoding The Greatest IPL XI With His Teammates Ft. MS Dhoni

Ravichandran Ashwin and MS Dhoni [Source: AFP Media]

Much to the surprise of cricket fans, especially CSK supporters, a legend of the game and the franchise, Ravichandran Ashwin, has announced his retirement from the IPL. There were talks going around his contract being terminated by the franchise after he slipped a couple of misplaced comments about the inclusion of Dewald Brevis in the CSK squad mid-way through IPL 2025.

The off-spinner has revealed that he will continue exploring the game across different leagues around the world. Discussing his IPL legacy, Ashwin began his career with CSK before playing for the Rising Pune Super Giants, Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings), Delhi Capitals, and Rajasthan Royals across various seasons. In this article, we take a look at the best XI of players in IPL that Ashwin has played with.

Openers

Chris Gayle and Jos Buttler

Ashwin was a part of the PBKS during the 2018 and 2019 seasons. During these two years, the 'Universe Boss', Chris Gayle, was the opener for the team. The level of destruction Gayle can bring at the top of the order makes him a must-pick for the opening spot in this XI.

Chris Gayle and Jos Buttler [Source: AFP Media]

The Indian legend played for the Rajasthan Royals from IPL 2022 to 24. During these seasons, the English batter and keeper, Jos Buttler, was seen opening the innings for the Royals. Not only was he an opener for RR, but Buttler played a massive role in the success they saw during this phase. With Gayle and Buttler opening the innings, this XI would have starts that can send shivers down the spine of any top bowling attack.

Middle Order

Suresh Raina, Shreyas Iyer, MS Dhoni, Albie Morkel, And Axar Patel

From his initial years in the IPL, starting in 2009, Ashwin shared the dressing room with Suresh Raina until 2015. The southpaw during this phase was unstoppable and a real asset for the Super Kings. He scripted many a win for the franchise with his dynamic batting at number three.

In the IPL 2020 and 21 seasons, Ashwin was a part of the Delhi Capitals. Notably, Shreyas Iyer was a part of the Capitals in this phase. While Iyer was giving glimpses of his talent during these two seasons, the batter and he have developed into what they are now; there is no way one can drop him when he is there to be selected.

Suresh Raina and Shreyas Iyer [Source: @Sportskeeda, @Raina_Memes_/x.com]

Ravi Ashwin was a discovery of MS Dhoni, the captain. He has played the most under MS as his leader. From discovering him as an impactful bowler in powerplays to developing him into a legendary bowler in almost all formats, MSD played a major role in his career. Also, at his peak, Dhoni was a powerhouse at number five.

The South African all-rounder, Albie Morkel, played a crucial role for CSK during his time from 2008 to 2013. His ability to contribute with the new ball and play explosive knocks lower down the order makes him a vital presence in the XI. 

Ravi Ashwin had the opportunity to play alongside Axar Patel while they were part of the Delhi Capitals during the 2020 and 2021 seasons. Even though Patel had not realised his full potential then, he has evolved into a star all-rounder by now. Axar can float around the batting order, contribute with the ball in the middle-overs and also be a menacing presence in the field.

Bowlers

Varun Chakravarthy, Yuzvendra Chahal, Doug Bollinger,  And Arshdeep Singh

Ashwin and Varun Chakaravarthy were part of the PBKS squad during IPL 2019. Although Varun did not get many chances to play in the season, he later evolved into one of the most efficient spinners in the history of the league for KKR. 

Chahal and Ashwin formed a decent pair in the Rajasthan Royals. With Ashwin going defensive and Yuzvendra Chahal looking for wickets the pair turned out to be pretty efficient for the Royals. Also, Chahal is one of the leading wicket-takers in IPL and there is no way one can ignore him from this XI.

Doug Bollinger and Yuzvendra Chahal [Source: @Vibhor4CSK, @ani_digital/x.com]

Doug Bollinger might look like an odd pick to some. However, during the period Ashwin and Bollinger played for CSK, the Aussie pacer was a key part of the franchise. Yes, Trent Boult could have been selected instead of him, but Bollinger's contribution to CSK's consecutive title wins in 2010 and 2011 makes him the preferred choice.

Arshdeep Singh has been playing for the Punjab Kings since his IPL debut. The pacer has evolved into a crucial bowler with his skills in the death phase. His presence in the XI gives the bowling attack a well-rounded look.

Best IPL XI Of Players Ravichandran Ashwin Has Played With

Chris Gayle ✈️
Jos Buttler ✈️
Suresh Raina
Shreyas Iyer
MS Dhoni (C) (WK)
Albie Morkel ✈️
Axar Patel
Varun Chakaravarthy
Yuzvendra Chahal
Doug Bollinger ✈️
Arshdeep Singh

---

ALSO READ

Ravichandran Ashwin Retires From IPL; CSK Veteran Hangs Up Boots Aged 39

---