Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin announced his retirement from the Indian Premier League (IPL) on Wednesday August 27. The 38-year-old veteran cricketer made the announcement on X, formerly Twitter, on Wednesday morning.
During his illustrious career, the premier off-spinner finished with 187 wickets from 221 matches. He remains the 5th-highest wicket-taker in the competition’s history. Last season, Ashwin played for Chennai Super Kings after returning to the franchise for whom he played for between 2009-2015.
The last two seasons were difficult for the 38-year-old. In 2024, he managed 9 wickets for Rajasthan Royals at 51.88 from 15 matches. Last season, he played nine matches for CSK and took 7 wickets at 40.42.
Ashwin, who is keen to try out playing other global leagues in the world, won two IPL titles with CSK in 2010 and 2011. Thereafter, he reached the IPL final with Delhi Capitals in 2020 and RR in 2022, losing on both occasions. During his long IPL career, the spinner took 15 or more wickets in a campaign on 4 occasions. Meanwhile, on 12 occasions, he ended up claiming 10 or more wickets in a season.
During his time, he represented CSK (2 spells), RPS, PBKS, DC, and RR.
Here we look at Ashwin’s best seasons in the IPL.
20 wickets in IPL 2011
In the IPL 2011 season, Ashwin was on song. He picked 20 wickets for CSK from 16 matches at an average of 19.40. He finished as the 4th-highest wicket-taker that season and was CSK’s best bowler. His economy rate of 6.50 stood out. CSK won the title that season, beating Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Ashwin bagged 3/16 in the final.
15 wickets in IPL 2013
The IPL 2013 season saw Ashwin bag 15 wickets for CSK at 26. He bowled at an economy rate of 6.72. Notably, Ashwin helped CSK reach the final that season. However, the team lost to Mumbai Indians. Ashwin went wicketless (0/22) in his 3-over spell in the finale.
16 wickets in IPL 2014
In IPL 2014, Ashwin bagged 16 wickets at 27.31. He clocked an economy rate of 7-plus. CSK finished 3rd in the points table and then overcame MI in the Eliminator. Ashwin picked a neat 1/26 in that contest. However, CSK lost Qualifier 2 against Punjab. Ashwin managed 1/44 in that clash.
15 wickets in IPL 2019
Playing for PBKS, the IPL 2019 season saw Ashwin shine with 15 wickets. He averaged 26.66 and owned an ER of 7-plus. This was the last time he managed 15 scalps or more in a single campaign. PBKS finished 6th that season among 8 teams.
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