Ravichandran Ashwin has recently made a decision to perhaps step away from the colourful yet competitive world of the Indian Premier League. He has, without much of a doubt, been an icon of the game, a purist
who prefers passion over histrionics, and a streak of hardwork that is relenting and inspiring. During his years with the Chennai Super Kings, which happen to be his last ever IPL franchise or team- should he actually quit and not play longer - he's risen like a tireless hero.
His presence and vital contributions to the famous IPL unit have only furthered his appeal and extended his legacy given he's such a match winner. Every bit as important, truth be told, as Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja. But ahead of the next IPL season, which though lies still a few months away, Ashwin stunned with the news that he may no longer play. Now, why this could be a wrong move altogether?
Frankly, the thinking bowler still has much on offer
They say that a cricketer can play for as long as he is in form and for as long as he is found to be match fit. What is evidently clear right now is the fact that as far as the last or previous season was concerned, Ravichandran Ashwin was anything but unfit. Probably the lack of games he had in the last season was down to the very fact that the Chennai Super Kings outfit were grappling with the need to find the right winning combination across departments of the game. And he fell off their radar somewhere mid season.
That being said, Ashwin, a world class act when it comes to off spin still at 38, has a couple of more seasons of IPL left in him. There are several notable and reputable talents at the global stage who have played the IPL well into their swan song years. For instance, the 1979-born Chris Gayle played his last IPL edition in 2021, when aged 42. Rohit Sharma, born just a year after Ravichandran Ashwin, which is 1987, is still going strong and is very much IPL-fit and seamlessly available. With no fewer than 187 wickets to his tally, Ashwin’s been a giant who has worked tirelessly and enormously hard to excel in this competition. That he loves cricket, more than anything, and is always ready to give a hundred percent to his team, makes him unique, a standout performer. He will be capable of being just that if he opts against his current mindset of playing longer than what he’s decided.
Probably Ashwin wasn’t used well in IPL 2025
As far as the last season of the Indian Premier League is concerned, which was a nightmare for the famed CSK team, it was perhaps amply clear that Ravichandan Ashwin wasn’t quite used well by his franchise. This is no random speak. This seems to stem from the fact that besides being promoted up the batting order, and only on occasions, his franchise didn’t bowl him all that much or during crucial junctures of the contest.
On the whole, he picked 7 wickets from 9 matches and was put to bowl occasionally.
From four home matches, he was able to pick just two wickets when it came to CSK’s home ground and it could be noted that the changes found in the Chepauk surface made it very difficult for Ravichandran Ashwin to operate at the rate of consistency and effectiveness with which he’s bowled all along.
Ashwin can act as a potent figure of experience to the younger generation
As a much younger cricketer back in 2015, for instance, Ashwin, who was then much younger at 29 years, bowled with considerable success and effectiveness. This was clearly evident from the fact that back then he had claimed 10 wickets at a remarkable economy of 5.8 an over. The younger talents coming up would be keen to emulate their rise with CSK on the lines of Ravichandran Ashwin.
However, that could only be possible if Ashwin, a legend of the game and a decorated CSK veteran, can bowl given he plays so that those around him can learn to absorb the unmatched skill set he has and with the same level of efficiency with which the Tamil Nadu legend has bowled all along.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Q1. Since when has R. Ashwin been playing in the IPL?
His first season was the 2009 edition.
Q2. Which was his first season with CSK?
He arrived in the Yellow Army outfit in the year 2009.
Q3. What is R Ashwin's total IPL wickets?
R Ashwin has so far taken 187 wickets in the prestigious IPL.
