Indian cricket fans woke up to an emotional piece of news as one of the finest spinners of modern cricket, Ravichandran Ashwin, announced his retirement from the Indian Premier League (IPL). The off-spinner, who has been a stalwart in world cricket and a consistent performer in the IPL since its inception, decided to bid farewell to the T20 extravaganza after a glorious run.
Over the years, the IPL has produced many stars, but Ashwin’s contribution stands apart. He was not just a bowler who could bamboozle the best batsmen but also a thinking cricketer who brought innovation, control, and tactical sharpness to the shortest format. From his early days with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) under MS Dhoni’s leadership to his later stints with Punjab, Delhi, and Rajasthan, Ashwin’s IPL journey has been filled with memorable performances, controversies, and iconic moments.
In this article, we look back at R Ashwin’s IPL career and relive some of his top moments that made him one of the legends of the tournament.
The Early Days with CSK (2009-2015)
Ashwin first rose to prominence when he was picked by Chennai Super Kings. A relatively unknown off-spinner then, he quickly became Dhoni’s go-to bowler in crunch situations. With his accuracy, clever variations, and fearless attitude, Ashwin cemented his place in the playing XI and became a vital cog in CSK’s dominance.
His ability to bowl in the powerplay overs stood out. While most spinners preferred the safety of middle overs, Ashwin showed courage to open the bowling, often keeping dangerous openers in check. It was during this period that he became famous for his “carrom ball” – a delivery flicked with his fingers that spun unpredictably.
Memorable IPL Moments of R Ashwin
1. The Breakthrough Against Chris Gayle (2011 Final)
One of the most iconic moments of Ashwin’s IPL career came in the 2011 IPL final when Chennai Super Kings faced Royal Challengers Bangalore. Chris Gayle was in devastating form that season, and his wicket was crucial. Dhoni threw the ball to Ashwin, who outfoxed Gayle with a tossed-up delivery, dismissing him early. That breakthrough set the tone for CSK’s title win and cemented Ashwin’s reputation as a big-match player.
2. Two-Time IPL Champion with CSK
Ashwin was part of CSK’s title-winning squads in 2010 and 2011. In those years, he was not just a supporting bowler but one of the key match-winners. His partnership with other bowlers created balance, and his economy rate was among the best in the league. Fans still remember his celebratory roars and energy every time he picked up a wicket for CSK.
3. The Carrom Ball Evolution
Ashwin’s introduction of the “carrom ball” to IPL cricket was revolutionary. He used it against left-handers with great success, spinning it away from them. Batsmen often struggled to pick the variation, and it gave Ashwin an edge in crucial matches. His innovation inspired many young spinners to experiment with variations in T20 cricket.
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4. Leadership at Kings XI Punjab (2018-2019)
Ashwin’s IPL journey took a new turn when he was appointed captain of Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings). While the team did not achieve much success, Ashwin’s leadership was marked by bold decisions and tactical experiments. He wasn’t afraid to shuffle bowlers, try unusual field placements, or bring a fresh perspective. His stint as captain also saw one of the most controversial yet defining moments of his IPL career – the “Mankading” incident.
5. The Mankading Controversy (2019)
In a match against Rajasthan Royals in 2019, Ashwin ran out Jos Buttler at the non-striker’s end – a dismissal commonly known as “Mankading.” While the act was within the laws of cricket, it sparked a heated debate across the cricketing world about the “spirit of the game.” Ashwin, however, stood firm on his decision, stating that playing within the rules was paramount. This incident brought him into the global spotlight, and the term “Mankad” became synonymous with Ashwin in IPL conversations.
6. A Crucial Role with Delhi Capitals (2020-2021)
Ashwin joined Delhi Capitals in 2020, adding depth to their bowling attack. Under the leadership of Shreyas Iyer and later Rishabh Pant, Delhi emerged as one of the strongest teams in the league. Ashwin’s experience helped nurture young bowlers, and his economical spells often created pressure that led to wickets from the other end. Though Delhi narrowly missed winning the title, Ashwin’s role was vital in their consistent top-four finishes.
7. Rajasthan Royals and the All-Round Contributions (2022-2024)
Ashwin’s final IPL stint came with Rajasthan Royals, where he showcased his adaptability. While his primary role remained as a bowler, Ashwin also made important contributions with the bat. Fans fondly recall him being promoted up the order as a pinch-hitter and scoring quick runs in pressure situations. His cricketing intelligence shone through, making him an asset beyond just his bowling.
With Rajasthan, Ashwin also became a mentor-like figure for younger spinners, guiding talents like Yuzvendra Chahal and others in the squad.
Ashwin’s IPL Stats at a Glance
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Matches Played: 200+
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Wickets: 170+
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Best Bowling Figures: 4/34
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Economy Rate: ~7.0 (one of the best for a spinner across so many matches)
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Titles Won: 2 (2010, 2011 with CSK)
These numbers speak volumes about his consistency and ability to adapt across franchises, formats, and conditions.
Ashwin’s Legacy in IPL
Ravichandran Ashwin’s IPL journey is not just about wickets and economy rates; it is about how he changed the way spinners approached T20 cricket. He was never afraid to try something new – whether it was opening the bowling, experimenting with variations, or even challenging cricket’s unwritten rules.
His career reflects the story of a cricketer who constantly evolved. From being Dhoni’s trusted weapon in CSK to leading Punjab, from controversies to comebacks, and finally settling into a mentor role with Rajasthan, Ashwin’s IPL career encapsulates the spirit of perseverance and reinvention.
The Emotional Goodbye
In his retirement note, Ashwin thanked fans, teammates, and franchises that trusted him over the years. He acknowledged that the IPL had played a crucial role in shaping his career, giving him a platform to showcase his skills and grow as a cricketer. Fans across social media poured in tributes, sharing their favorite Ashwin moments, with hashtags like #ThankYouAshwin and #IPLLegend trending worldwide.
Conclusion
Ravichandran Ashwin’s retirement from the IPL marks the end of an era. His presence on the field, his tactical brilliance, and his fearless attitude will be missed in future seasons. While fans may not see him in IPL colors again, Ashwin’s impact on the league will be remembered for years to come.
From dismissing Chris Gayle in the final to the controversial “Mankading” moment, from carrom balls to pinch-hitting, Ashwin gave IPL fans countless memories to cherish. As he moves on from the tournament, his journey will serve as inspiration for young cricketers – to innovate, to stay fearless, and to never stop evolving.
R Ashwin may have retired from the IPL, but his legacy will forever remain etched in the tournament’s history.