"Thanks Ash for strengthening CSK and delivering knockout punches" - Fans pay tribute to Ravichandran Ashwin as he announces IPL retirement

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin continued the year of farewells by bidding adieu to the IPL on Wednesday, August 27. The 38-year-old announced his IPL retirement through his social media handle months after the 2025 season.

Ashwin endured a torrid homecoming with CSK in IPL 2025, finishing with only seven wickets in nine outings at an average of over 40 and an economy of 9.12. His struggles played a massive role in CSK finishing at the bottom of the standings for the first time in IPL history.

Yet, Ashwin's overall IPL career has been filled with memorable moments, especially with CSK. Playing for the franchise from 2009 to 2015, the Tamil Nadu spinner helped them win the IPL title in 2010 and 2011. He also starred in CSK's title runs in the now-defunct Champions League in 2010 and 2014.

The veteran finishes as the fifth leading wicket-taker in IPL history with 187 scalps in 221 games at an average of 30.22 and an economy of 7.20. He also played for the Delhi Capitals (DC), Rajasthan Royals (RR), Punjab Kings (PBKS), and the Rising Pune Supergiant (RPS) in his IPL career.

Fans on X paid tribute to Ravichandran Ashwin for his stellar IPL career, with the following reactions:

The reactions from fans continued pouring in, with one saying:

Getting Gayle caught behind in the very first over in the 2011 IPL Final. I had high hopes from Ash before the finale and he delivered it straightaway. Thanks Ash @ashwinravi99 for strengthening CSK and delivering knock-out punches.

"Legend of IPL and CSK. Never forget the dismissal of Gayle and the celebration was goated. Reunion with csk didn't work but won't damper your legacy. Played across teams and reinvented your T20 skills as a complete allrounder. IPL will miss you," tweeted a fan.

"Ashwin was always bold & thinking far .. no wonder he is an engineer .. I mean u rarely see r players taking this step," a fan said.

"My time as an IPL cricketer comes to a close today" - R Ashwin

Ravichandran Ashwin parted ways with the IPL through a lengthy post on his social media handles, while confirming his exploration of other T20 leagues around the world. The bowling heroics aside, the 38-year-old also contributed with the willow, finishing with 833 runs at a strike rate of 118.15, including a half-century.

"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 around various leagues begins today. Would like to thank all the franchisees for all the wonderful memories and relationships over the years and most importantly the IPL and the BCCI for what they have given me until now. Look forward to enjoying and making the most of what’s ahead of me," posted Ashwin (via his X handle).

Ashwin announced his international retirement after the third Test in Australia in December last year.

About the author

Venkatesh has been writing cricket news, listicle and feature articles for Sportskeeda for over a year. He loves cricket because of the diversity of the playing fields and its unparalleled nuances, which no other sport presents. He also enjoys the analytical and quantitative side of the sport, which originates from his MBA degree and 10 years of experience in the IT industry in companies like Infosys, Atos and TCS.

Venkatesh ensures proper research from reliable sources and social media trends to gather information, and adds his own dash of creativity to create insightful content.

He started watching cricket in the late 1990s, having been impressed with South Africa and New Zealand’s gentleman-like attitude. Domestically, he supports the Chennai Super Kings for their ability to bring the best out of their players owing to a friendly and conducive team environment.

He admires three cricketers the most – Brian Lara for his batting style, AB de Villiers for changing the paradigm of batting and MS Dhoni for his unique cerebral approach to field placings and batting. Along with cricket, Venkatesh also enjoys watching and playing tennis and basketball. In his free time, he finds pleasure in singing and watching movies and web series.

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Edited by Venkatesh Ravichandran