Ravichandran Ashwin has called time on his IPL career after 16 seasons, paving the way to feature in overseas leagues. The veteran off-spinner bows out as the tournament’s fifth-highest wicket-taker with 187 scalps and two titles with Chennai Super Kings in 2010 and 2011.
Dismissing Jos Buttler at the non-strikers’ end: In 2019, while leading Kings XI Punjab, Ashwin dismissed Jos Buttler at the non-striker’s end, sparking fierce debate on the “Mankad” dismissal. Buttler, batting on 69 during a tense chase, was caught backing up too far, raising questions about cricket’s laws versus the spirit of the game.
The Dewald Brevis-CSK Row: Ashwin’s final IPL season in 2025 saw him return to Chennai Super Kings, but post-tournament remarks nearly stirred trouble. Having earlier avoided discussing CSK’s inner workings on YouTube, he later suggested the franchise would’ve paid “extra” for Dewald Brevis. With CSK’s past suspension history resurfacing, the team swiftly clarified that his comments were hypothetical. The statement eased concerns, ensuring no controversy lingered as Ashwin bowed out of the league.
First Player In IPL To Retire Out: In IPL 2022, R Ashwin created history by becoming the first batter to be tactically retired out. Playing for Rajasthan Royals against Lucknow Super Giants, he was promoted to No. 6, scoring 28 off 23 balls with two sixes. At the start of the 19th over, he walked off to allow Riyan Parag in, boosting RR’s total. With Shimron Hetmyer’s late flourish, they finished on 165, marking the IPL’s first tactical retirement.
Parting Ways with Kings XI Punjab: In 2019, Ashwin was at the centre of a drawn-out trade saga between Kings XI Punjab and Delhi Capitals. After captaining Punjab for two seasons, he sought a move, but the franchise hesitated until the last moment. Eventually, he joined Delhi in 2020, playing a key role in their run to the final and 2021 playoffs.
