MS Dhoni dragged in as Ravichandran Ashwin reveals reason behind resignation from IPL

Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin stunned fans on Wednesday, August 27, by announcing his retirement from the IPL. The veteran spinner admitted that the three-month schedule in the tournament had become too demanding, adding that he was amazed at how MS Dhoni manages it year after year.

Ravichandran Ashwin had a forgettable IPL 2025 after returning to the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). He picked up just seven wickets in nine games while conceding runs at over nine an over. The Chennai-based franchise endured its worst season and finished at the bottom of the points table for the very first time.

Ravichandran Ashwin Ends His IPL Journey After the 2025 Season

Ravichandran Ashwin ended his IPL journey following the 2025 season. The Tamil Nadu-born cricketer began his IPL career with Chennai Super Kings in 2009. He was instrumental in CSK’s title wins in 2010 and 2011 and was also part of their Champions League triumphs in 2010 and 2014.

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After leaving CSK in 2015, Ashwin went on to represent Rising Pune Supergiant, Punjab Kings, Delhi Capitals, and Rajasthan Royals before rejoining Chennai in 2025. The off-spinner took 187 wickets in 221 matches at an average of 30.22 and an economy rate of 7.20.

Ashwin finished as the fifth-highest wicket-taker in the tournament’s history. He had already retired from international cricket during the 2024-25 Australia Test series. The cricketer might explore opportunities in overseas leagues.

I’m Awe-Struck by Someone Like MS Dhoni - Ravichandran Ashwin

In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Ravichandran Ashwin said that his IPL retirement had nothing to do with Chennai Super Kings releasing or trading him. The spinner said that the three-month tournament had become too exhausting to continue at this stage of his career.

He admitted that constant travel, matches, and recovery left him drained and that age had reduced his ability to manage such a demanding routine. Ashwin added that he admires MS Dhoni even more, given how the CSK skipper continues to handle the same schedule year after year.

“I was thinking if I can play IPL next year. Three months of IPL is a little too much for me. It’s draining. This is one of the reasons why I’m awe-struck by seeing someone like MS Dhoni. As you grow older, the bandwidth to play IPL becomes lesser. Three months of cricket isn’t easy – you have to travel, play matches, let your body recover after the matches,” Ashwin said.

They Say Every Ending Has a New Start - Ravichandran Ashwin

Ravichandran Ashwin confirmed that his IPL career is over, but he is not stepping away from cricket. The 38-year-old revealed that he has registered for another league, though he chose not to disclose which one.

Media reports have linked him with stints in The Hundred and the SA20. He also mentioned that coaching could be part of his future, but only on his own terms.

“They say every ending has 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,” Ashwin wrote on social media.

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