Chennai: India’s celebrated spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has officially hung up his boots from the Indian Premier League, admitting that age and fitness have caught up with him. The 38-year-old said the rigors of the tournament were beyond his current capacity, even as he expressed admiration for Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s ability to continue playing at a high level.
“The IPL is a demanding tournament, stretching across three months. At this age, I simply don’t have the health or energy to manage it,” Ashwin explained. “When I see Dhoni still going strong, I am genuinely surprised.”
Ashwin, who was part of the Chennai Super Kings in the 2025 season, confirmed he would no longer feature in the league from next year. In his farewell note, he expressed gratitude to the BCCI and the IPL franchises he represented over the years.
The veteran spinner’s IPL journey began with CSK in 2009, where he remained until 2015 before stints with Punjab Kings, Rising Pune Supergiants, and Rajasthan Royals. He returned to Chennai last season, although his impact was limited seven wickets from nine matches as CSK endured a disappointing campaign, finishing last with just four wins.
Across his 221-match IPL career, Ashwin claimed 187 wickets and contributed 833 runs as a handy lower-order all-rounder. His tactical acumen and ability to reinvent himself made him one of the most respected bowlers in the league.
The decision to retire from the IPL comes shortly after Ashwin announced his departure from international cricket, signaling the end of a significant era in Indian cricket.
For fans, Ashwin’s absence will leave a void in the IPL, but his candid admission serves as a reminder of the immense physical demands the tournament places on even the most seasoned players.