Chennai Super Kings (CSK) legend Ravichandran Ashwin said that being ambitious and confident from an early age helped him succeed at all levels. The Tamil Nadu off-spinner recently announced his IPL retirement, months after leaving international cricket.

Ashwin started his IPL career in 2009 with CSK and helped the team win back-to-back titles in 2010 and 2011. He is also the fifth-highest wicket-taker in IPL history, with 187 wickets in 221 matches. Ashwin also has an impressive international record, taking 765 wickets in 287 matches across all formats.

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Ashwin Reflects on His Career

Days after announcing his IPL retirement on his YouTube channel, Ravichandran Ashwin said:

"Had anyone said I would achieve so much at the start of my career, I would have been surprised. When you first try to make it big, the world will often oppose you, saying 'He's an overthinker, over ambitious, and too big to fit in the glove.' I have heard many such things about myself. But if I am not ambitious about my own life, who will be?"

He continued: 

"Even when I played for CSK, Muttiah Muralitharan was the main off-spinner. Many said, 'There is no way two off-spinners will play.' But I wanted to prove people wrong and thought, 'I'll make them play two off-spinners.' I see that as my confidence. I even said I'll play ahead of Muralitharan. This is not me belittling him. I just wanted to reach his level."

Ashwin is the eighth-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket with 537 wickets, including 37 five-wicket hauls.

IPL 2025 and Career Stats

Ravichandran Ashwin had a poor IPL 2025 season with CSK. The team bought him for ₹9.75 crore, marking his return after his first stint ended in 2015. He picked up only seven wickets in nine matches, with an average of over 40 and an economy of 9.12. CSK finished at the bottom of the table with four wins in 14 games.

After CSK, Ashwin played for Rising Pune Supergiant (RPS), Punjab Kings (PBKS), Delhi Capitals (DC), and Rajasthan Royals (RR) from 2016 to 2024. He ended his international career with 765 wickets in 287 matches. In the IPL, he took 187 wickets in 220 matches. Apart from bowling, Ashwin also scored six centuries in Test cricket.

Sanju Samson’s exit from the Rajasthan Royals (RR) looks almost certain. Many believe that Samson will leave his team to join the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Since the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 trade window is open until a week before the 2026 mini-auction, it is still unclear when or if this news will be confirmed.

Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra has said that Ravichandran Ashwin and Sanju Samson might swap teams before IPL 2026. He mentioned that Ashwin could become the Rajasthan Royals (RR) captain next season if this trade happens.

Some reports claim that Samson has asked RR to release him before the IPL 2026 auction. Other reports say that Ashwin has also requested the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to release him.

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Aakash Chopra on Possible Ashwin-Samson Swap

In a video on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra, the former India opener said that Ravichandran Ashwin could lead the Rajasthan Royals (RR) next season if a swap with Sanju Samson happens.

"Ash has said that he doesn't want to play for CSK, that he is not available. He might be allowed to leave as well. Sanju is going from there, and Ravichandran Ashwin anna is going from here. So will it be a straight swap?" Chopra said.

"RR's captain might go to CSK, although he may not become captain there as Ruturaj Gaikwad could continue. But Ashwin could join Rajasthan and become their captain because they need one," he added.

RR’s Captaincy Options Without Samson

Chopra pointed out that RR don’t have a strong captaincy option if Samson leaves. "I was thinking who could become Rajasthan's captain if Sanju leaves. Dhruv Jurel is not ready and very young. Yashasvi Jaiswal has captaincy dreams, but I don’t think they will choose him now. Riyan Parag did okay last season. So it may work out well," Chopra said.

Sanju Samson played three games as an impact sub at the start of IPL 2025 and missed five matches due to injuries. Riyan Parag captained RR in those games. Samson’s captaincy and batting have had mixed results in the last five seasons. RR reached the IPL 2022 final and playoffs in 2024 but also finished 9th and 7th in other years.

With the bat, Samson struggled last season, partly due to injuries. Yashasvi Jaiswal and Riyan Parag performed much better. It makes sense that RR might think about moving on from the 30-year-old, who has not fully reached his potential. Jaiswal or Parag could take over as captain, while Vaibhav Suryavanshi looks set to stay.

The Indian team has had a roller-coaster series in England. The hosts won the first and third Tests, India won the second, and the fourth ended in a draw. Now, with the series level, England looks set to win the fifth and final Test. India are close to losing the series, and veteran spinner R. Ashwin says one big reason is poor captaincy from Shubman Gill. On his YouTube channel “Ash Ki Baat,” Ashwin didn’t hold back. He pointed out key mistakes India made, especially in how they used their bowlers.

Throughout the series, there have been many moments that stood out. Speaking on this, India legend Ravichandran Ashwin talked about the team’s lack of game awareness. Ashwin said that India has not been the sharpest in the series, but he believes Shubman Gill’s decision-making as captain will improve over time.

Also Read -‘Going in with a half-fit bowler is a crime’ – Navjot Singh Sidhu slams Indian management ahead of ENG vs IND 5th test

Ashwin Points Out Lack of Game Awareness

Ashwin said that India have shown a lack of game awareness in this series, especially in tactical decisions on the field. “Coming back to the topic of spinners not being used, I feel there has been a lack of game awareness and, in many ways, our tactical thinking both on and off the field. This is the main reason why England are ahead in this series and India are behind. We haven’t been the sharpest,” he said.

He believes Shubman Gill will improve with time but added that missing key moments in a match is hurting the team. “Sometimes, if you feel you play spin well, you don’t bring in your own spinners at the right time. And when that happens, spinners become a defensive option instead of an attacking one,” Ashwin explained.

Ashwin gave a specific example from Day 4 of the final Test, when England batter Harry Brook was scoring freely. He said that was the moment to bring in Washington Sundar to slow the runs.  

“You could’ve had a spinner from one end and a fast bowler from the other. But we missed that chance,” he added.

He also said it’s not clear whether these calls are made on the field or come from the team management. “Making these mistakes is a huge gap. We don’t know whether the message is going from outside to the middle. We don’t know the dressing room talks. But in today’s day and age, these mistakes can definitely be avoided,” Ashwin said.

England in Control After Day 4

Ashwin’s comments came after India showed some fight on Day 4 but still allowed England to get close to victory. Joe Root and Harry Brook both scored centuries and stitched together a 195-run partnership, taking the game away from India. Brook smashed 111 off 98 balls, while Root made 105.

India did fight back after tea, with Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna taking wickets and slowing the scoring. The match was stopped due to bad light and rain, with England at 339/6, just 35 runs away from a record win.

Sanju Samson’s move to Chennai Super Kings for the next IPL season is now in the final stage, as per reports. Sources say that an official announcement will be made soon. For the past few weeks, rumours about the Rajasthan Royals captain’s transfer have been a hot topic among fans.

Sanju Samson’s move to Chennai Super Kings is now very close. Reports say that the deal is in the final stage, and an official announcement may come soon. For the last few weeks, there have been many talks about Sanju leaving Rajasthan Royals. Now, this news is getting stronger.

It will be difficult for Chennai to buy Sanju in the player auction, as many teams may offer high prices for him. That’s why CSK is trying to sign him during the trading window. This way, they can get him before the auction starts.

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CSK Plans to Trade Ashwin and Dubey

Kolkata Knight Riders also wanted Sanju, as they need a wicketkeeper, a top-order batsman, and a new captain. Sanju can do all three jobs well. But now, KKR has backed out, which has made things easier for CSK.

As per reports, CSK and Rajasthan Royals have reached a deal. Chennai may give Ravichandran Ashwin and Shivam Dubey in return. Royals also asked for Ravindra Jadeja, but CSK refused. Jadeja is an all-rounder, and CSK wants to keep him.

Sanju’s current salary is Rs 18 crore. Ashwin earns Rs 9.75 crore, and Dubey earns Rs 12 crore. CSK is ready to trade both to match Sanju’s value.

Ashwin did not play well for CSK, so they want to release him. Dubey is a good batsman but not great at fielding or bowling. CSK thinks they can buy another hitter in the auction. Sanju may not be made captain in CSK. He may get the vice-captain role, as CSK wants to keep Ruturaj Gaikwad as captain.

Former Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin's wife, Preeti Narayanan, wrote an emotional note ahead of Team India’s first Test of the five-match series against England on Friday, June 20. Team India is starting a new era in Test cricket without three big names – Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravichandran Ashwin.

Rohit and Kohli stepped away from Test cricket before the squad for the England tour was announced. Ashwin had retired from international cricket midway through the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after the Gabba Test ended in a draw in Brisbane in December last year.

The experienced off-spinner ended his international career, closing a successful Test journey that lasted more than ten years. He not only left behind a strong legacy but also a big gap in skill and experience, which will be tough to fill for the new Indian team in the upcoming Test series against England.

Ahead of the Headingley Test between England and India, Preeti Narayanan shared an emotional message on her Instagram story. She said that watching Test cricket would bring her mixed emotions now, as Ashwin is no longer part of India’s red-ball team. She added that she will have to find a new way to love the format.

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"Test match day for India, and I woke up with many mixed emotions :) I have to find a way to love it and forget the only way I knew," wrote R Ashwin's wife.

Ravichandran Ashwin was one of the best off-spinners the cricket world has seen. The 38-year-old retired from Test cricket as India’s second-highest wicket-taker. He took 537 wickets in 106 matches at an average of 24.00 and an economy rate of 2.83. His record includes 37 five-wicket hauls and 25 four-wicket hauls.

Many believed Ashwin would break Anil Kumble’s all-time Indian Test record of 619 wickets. But his decision to retire during the five-match Test series against Australia in December 2024 brought a sudden end to his amazing journey.

Ravindra Jadeja to lead Indian spin attack in Ashwin’s absence

With Ashwin now retired from international cricket, Ravindra Jadeja is the most experienced spinner left in the team. He will lead India’s spin attack and also help guide the young spinners during the England series.

Ashwin and Jadeja were one of the most successful bowling pairs in India’s Test history. Together, they took 587 wickets. They are the sixth-best Test bowling pair of all time, behind Anderson-Broad, McGrath-Warne, Muralitharan-Vaas, Ambrose-Walsh, and Lyon-Hazlewood.

With Ashwin leaving the game, especially in Test cricket where he was most successful, Jadeja, now one of the senior players in the squad, will take on more responsibility.

Playing XI of both teams

India: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (captain), Rishabh Pant (vice-captain and wicketkeeper), Karun Nair, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna

England: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (captain), Jamie Smith (wicketkeeper), Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue, Shoaib Bashir

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is famous not only for exciting matches, good players, etc., but also for some moves that transform the game away from traditional performance. One great example is the tactical "retired out," in which a batter is dismissed without injury voluntarily as a result of a strategy to replace the batter with a different batter that makes sense from the context of the match.

1. Ravichandran Ashwin - Rajasthan Royals vs. LSG, 2022

Ashwin still wrote himself into the history books a little during IPL 2022, as he became the first player to be retired out. In this example, Rajasthan Royals chose to take Ashwin off in a match against Lucknow Super Giants in the 19th over so they could send in a more aggressive batter for the end-game thrust. Aside from shocking the vast majority, it opened some new strategic doors in the IPL.

Also Read: IPL 2025: 3 players who can replace Rishabh Pant as LSG captain

2. Atharva  Taide - Punjab Kings vs. DC, 2023

Punjab Kings retired Atharva after he made 26 in IPL 2023. Taide is making an impact on the field against Delhi Capitals. While he was consistently able to provide the foundation with the bat, he often couldn’t raise the pace in bursts when the side needed an influx of runs all of a sudden. His team management further decided to remove him from play for the duration, emphasizing that this “retired out” option was not merely a one-off response.

3. Sai Sudharsan - GT vs. MI, 2023

The second instance, well on the verge of becoming a trend, came in the same season when Gujarat Titans employed tactical retirement to retire out Sai Sudharsan against Mumbai Indians. It was a smart gamble to add a known playoff sniper and represented that franchises were willing to get aggressive and take chances, even with their growing young core.

Also Read: IPL 2025: SRH vs GT - A Head to Head breakdown

4. Tilak Varma - Mumbai Indians vs. LSG, 2025

It doesn’t stop here; the further names you could be adding to this list as of right now are Tilak Varma and IPL 2025. Mumbai Indians made the shocking call in their game against Lucknow Super Giants, inarguably overshadowing another show of personnel over strategy far too often seen in today’s game.

Retired outs in the IPL are fast becoming a not-so-trendy new black mark-added trend in waiting. With the search to extend the margins and find any edge possible, teams aren’t leaving any stone unturned, and “retired out” might just be the sharpest new tool in the league’s strategic playbook.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is going to publish the new central contract list, and there may be a lot of new player moves in the ranking. Some of the seniors might opt out of T20Is, but still, the list may see new inclusions.

Senior Players Retain A+ Grade:

In spite of their saying farewell, Rohit Sharma, who is captain of the Indian national cricket team, all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, and the most famous Indian batsman, Virat Kohli, are three expected players to be still playing in the A+ group of the BCCI contract. Their continuation at the top end is one of the reasons they are the best in Test and ODI formats.

Also read: RR vs KKR – Weather & Pitch report

Promotions and Demotions in the Contract List:

• Players who have performed impressively for the last few months, probably up from Grade B to Grade A, Axel Patel and Yashe Matthewius.
• The contract is going to be taken away from R. Ashwin. The purpose is to involve young players in the Indian team.
• For his brilliant play at the international level, the middle-order batter Shreyas Iyer might be offered a contract.
• On the other hand, the ceetion of the central contract for wicketkeeper-batsman Aishwarya Kishan cannot be made due to a lack of international games being played by her.

BCCI central contract updates 🚨

🔹 Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja to stay in A+ BCCI contract despite retiring from T20Is.

🔹 Shreyas Iyer likely to get a BCCI contract ✅

🔻 Ishan Kishan could miss out again ❌

(Via- PTI) pic.twitter.com/MwDuYJjoVM

— CricXtasy (@CricXtasy) March 25, 2025

New Players Set for Their First BCCI Contract:
A new batch of youngsters, Akash Deep, Sarfaraz Khan, and Nikin Jose (NKR), have chances to be rewarded with their first BCCI central dissolving process. Their perfect track record at home and their play record on India's A team have made them a potential list member.

Also read:PBKS VS GT IPL Match Live Streaming: Where & How to Watch on the tv and online mobile

Final Announcement Awaited

The awaited official announcement by BCCI is expected to shed some light on the course of Indian cricket. Already the indication of the young bloods inclusion and the shows of the old hands, the exit signifies a new approach to the national cricket team that is exploring its future international competitors with new horizons.

With IPL 2025 going on, the issue of whether or not MS Dhoni will retire after this season has become a popular issue. Lately, Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin was asked about Dhoni's future during a chat on the YouTube persian Ash ki Baat. His reaction has raised debates again among fans and analysts.  

Ravichandran Ashwin, who has been active in both the Indian and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) teams when Dhoni was a captain, was asked the question of whether "2025 will be the last IPL season for the legendary wicketkeeper". His actual response, as seen from a viral clip, but it is a fact that the issue of Dhoni's retirement continues to pose a question, and the matter remains uncertain.  

Also Read: Sunrisers Hyderabad Rewrite IPL History: Becomes Second-Highest Total as SRH Dominates Top 3 Spots

Ever since the beginning of IPL, MS Dhoni has been the identity of CSK. Rather than being the manager of the team, he is the leader who has helped the team to win many championships, even when they have faced plenty of losses. Subsequently, it is highly unlikely that his contributions will disappear from the team, particularly at the time of commencement.  

Ashwin when asked about whether this is MS Dhoni’s last IPL season.

Source: Ash ki baat (YT channel)#IPL2025 pic.twitter.com/O8l0I56JAs

— Vibhor (@Vibhor4CSK) March 23, 2025

Also Read: Ishan Kishan Injured While Fielding in SRH vs RR Match

In the last season, besides fitness issues, Dhoni complemented his styles as the final and the mentor. His prowess in the crucial situation of the game along with his guidance of the younger players shows he is a priceless asset.  

Dhoni has often been expressive about his intention to retire in front of CSK's own fans, although no official declaration has been issued by him in that regard. Fans are still waiting for the green light, but Dhoni remains a person unwilling to divulge his decisions until the very last moment. As of that time, every piece of information and rumor had been vague, and the latter would remain until a clear statement would be made.

Ashwin has been a starwalt spinner in his playing career though it for Team India or for IPL he has given his best of his efforts in every playing game, and been considered as more tactical and calculative personalities of the game. Ashwin started his career with IPL in its beginning stages itself who was picked by Chennai Super Kings for his base price of 20 Lakhs. He was integral part of the team till 2015 and was released by them after that. 

Though Ashwin had no regrets about releasing him it gave him broader aspects of the game and even various teams willingly bought him at a good price and though he captained a few sides and gained various aspirations of the game. Though he was part of the Indian team side too. That's the type of calibre he possesses around him. 

Read More: Top 5 Kolkata Knight Riders Players Who Can Be In Red Hot Form This IPL Season

Ashwin Best Of His Times

Ashwin had great credibility in ODI and Test Matches for India for so long, but after the 2019 World Cup his presence in ODI became minimal and in the test, he was go go-through man for team India. Ashwin played 106 test matches for India, but his original plan was to retire in the 100th test which was against England in Dharmshala but he decided to take on for fewer more matches. In a recent event launched by the CSK panel, Ashwin disclosed he invited Ms Dhoni to be present but he wasn't able to make it over. 

It has always been a desire of the player to be facilitated against his favourite person and whoever could be a better person than Ms Dhoni who has been the Starwalt of the game conquering ICC's main trophies and a huge role in the development of IPL and its niche. Dhoni was the first ever captain to win the ICC T20 World Cup from where his legacy started as captain and endured many of them. 

Read more: Ajinkya Rahane To Create History By Leading KKR

Dhoni Gave A Better Suprise Than He Thought

AAshwin's wish was for Dhoni to be in his 100th match against England which hasn't been fulfilled. Then BCCI initiated a special event for his valuable milestone where he was handed a memento for that, he wished that he should get the memento with the hands of Ms Dhoni but these two wishes remained unfulfilled which decimated him. 

"I called Dhoni for my 100th Test. I invited him to hand over the memento in Dharamshala. I wanted to make that my last Test, but he couldn’t make it. What I didn’t expect was that he would give me an even better gift — bringing me back to CSK.” - Ash Anna 💛 pic.twitter.com/25f8q7mkMY

— 𝑻𝑯𝑨𝑳𝑨 (@Vidyadhar_R) March 16, 2025

But I got a bigger surprise than I wished for which happened at the auction table where Chennai Super Kings went all out for their local boy. He thanked Ms Dhoni for the biggest gift and stated life has come full circle for him he started his career as a young man and ended from where it all started for him. 

Ahead of the final, Ashwin fired back at derogatory comments directed at Indian players, calling them unfair and demoralizing. The experienced off-spinner argued that such criticisms had the ability to bring down the team spirit, while he urged the fans to stand by the team than to judge their performances.

“It’s unfortunate that some people choose to throw mud on our players at such a critical juncture. These are the same players who have given their all for the country. Instead of backing them, unnecessary negativity is being spread,” Ashwin reportedly said in a video response.

India's march to the Chapions Trophy Final 2025 has, of course, been a commendable one. There was not a moment of dullness in both round-robin and knockout stages. Once again, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Jasprit Bumrah have made themselves known as worthy players on a platform like this. The final against the New Zealand side is expected to be a high-paced battle between both sides, as they have had a history of close encounter matches in ICC tournaments.

New Zealand has won the hearts of many cricket fans with their fighting spirit and strategic football style; under the captaincy of Williamson, there are going to be no easy match for India. But Ashwin is confident that Team India will perform excellently under the pressure of the final.

"To throw mud on our players...": R Ashwin furious ahead of India vs New Zealand CT 2025 final. Reason is serious#Ashwin #ChampionsTrophy2025 https://t.co/RVmn7JeZoW

— CricketNDTV (@CricketNDTV) March 8, 2025

Also Read: From Pakistan to IPL: Mohammad Amir Wants to Play in IPL 2026

Reacting to Ashwin's comments, Indian cricket supporters took to social media to back the team while requesting critics to tone down their negative remarks. The hashtags #Ashwin #ChampionsTrophy2025 are trending indicating the unflinching faithreams harbored by the fans that the team will work to bring the trophy home. 

As India prepares for the Champions Trophy 2025 final, all eyes will be on the players as they seek glory. Will Ashwin and his ally be able to quieten their critics with a historic victory? Only time will tell.