'Special beginning...'- star CSK player decides to retire from IPL ahead of 2026 season

The former Indian off-spinner, Ravichandran Ashwin, has closed his chapter on playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL) from the 2026season as he revealed his desire for a ‘new beginning’ to remain available to play the other leagues across the globe. Ashwin was with the Chennai Super Kings in the last season, as his future was in question.

Ashwin finished with an overall 187 wickets in IPL history in 217 innings at an average of over 30 and an economy rate of just above seven, with the best of 4/34 in an inning. In the last couple of seasons, he picked up 15 wickets in 24 games at an economy rate of over 8.50 with the best of 3/24.

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“Special day and hence a special beginning. They say every ending will have 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.” The Chennai-born expressed on his X account (formerly known as Twitter).

Ravichandran Ashwin retires from IPL ahead of 2026 season

The BCCI rule doesn’t allow any Indian player to feature in the other leagues of the game if they don’t retire fully. Dinesh Karthik also hung up his shoes from IPL before featuring in the SA20 last season for the Paarl Royals. In the past, Ambati Rayudu also played for the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots in the CPL.

“Would like to thank all the franchisees for all the wonderful memories and relationships over the years, and most importantly, the @IPL and the @BCCI for what they have given me until now. Look forward to enjoying and making the most of what’s ahead of me.” Ashwin added in the post.

The off-spinner could also get into the coaching role from the new season. In 329 T20 innings, he has collected 317 wickets at an average of under 27 and an economy rate of 7.11 with four four-wicket hauls at the best bowling figures of 4/8 in an innings. With the bat, he also smashed 1233 runs with a solitary fifty.