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R Ashwin Reacts To IPL Retirement, Reveals Why He Couldn't Emulate MS Dhoni

Akshita Patel

Ashwin opens up on IPL retirement [Source: @CricCrazyJohns/X.com]Ashwin opens up on IPL retirement [Source: @CricCrazyJohns/X.com]

Ravichandran Ashwin shocked fans by announcing his retirement from the Indian Premier League (IPL) after the 2025 season. The veteran off-spinner, who returned to Chennai Super Kings (CSK) this year after more than a decade, said the decision was not easy but necessary.

After the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Ashwin quit international cricket, though his IPL dream was still alive as he reunited with CSK. However, the veteran also retired from IPL last week.

Ravi Ashwin Praises MS Dhoni For Longevity

In his latest YouTube video, Ravi Ashwin revealed that while he thought about playing one more season, the demands of the IPL made him change his mind. 

The 38-year-old also admitted that he is in awe of his former captain MS Dhoni, who still continues to play despite turning 44 last month. 

"I was thinking if I can play IPL next year. Three months of IPL is a little too much for me. It's draining. This is one of the reasons why I'm awe-struck by seeing someone like MS Dhoni. As you grow older, the bandwidth to play IPL becomes lesser. Three months of cricket isn't easy—you have to travel, play matches, and let your body recover after the matches," Ashwin said.

Ashwin’s retirement from IPL, however, does not mean he is done with franchise cricket. For the first time in his career, he is open to exploring overseas leagues like the Big Bash League (BBL), South Africa’s SA20, and others. 

Until now, playing in such leagues wasn’t possible while he was still part of the IPL and international cricket. 

Ashwin Had A Glorious IPL Career 

One of the brightest minds in the game, Ravichandran Ashwin, made his IPL debut with CSK in 2009 and played a vital role in their title wins in 2010 and 2011. 

After stints with Rising Pune Supergiant, Punjab Kings, Delhi Capitals, and Rajasthan Royals, he made a much-anticipated return to CSK in 2025 for ₹9.75 crore. 

In 220 games, Ashwin took 187 wickets at an average of 30.22, with best figures of 4/34. With the bat, he scored 833 runs, including a high of 50.