In an emotional announcement that shook the Indian Premier League (IPL) fraternity, Ravichandran Ashwin declared his retirement from the tournament, marking the end of a prodigious era for one of India’s finest spin masters. Ashwin took to social media, articulating his gratitude and optimism: “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.”
His heartfelt thanks extended to all franchises, IPL, and BCCI, making it not just a personal milestone but a moment resonating deeply with his legion of fans. Across platforms, the announcement triggered a wave of emotional tributes, remembrances, and heartbreak, as fans shared their reactions to bidding adieu to an IPL icon.
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🤓.
Would like to thank all the franchisees for all the…
— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) August 27, 2025
Ravichandran Ashwin’s IPL retirement leaves fans emotional with heartfelt reactions
Ashwin’s retirement from IPL didn’t just conclude a chapter—it unleashed a tidal wave of heartfelt responses among cricket lovers nationwide. Social media platforms were awash with nostalgia, appreciation, and sorrow, as fans recounted their favourite Ashwin moments—from his enigmatic carrom balls to his wily tactical moves in tense IPL face-offs. Many described feeling “heartbroken but grateful,” emphasizing how Ashwin shaped their love for spin bowling and stood out as a beacon of consistency across different franchises.
Some cricket enthusiasts recalled how Ashwin’s cerebral approach and sportsmanship energised their IPL viewership, with posts reading “IPL won’t be the same without his magic,” and “Thank you, Ashwin, for every unforgettable over.” Emotions poured in from all corners, professionals and amateurs alike, testifying to the Chennai-born off-spinner’s immense impact on India’s cricket culture. In fan groups, hashtags like #FarewellAshwin trended widely, underscoring his status as one of the game’s most revered ambassadors.
Here’s how fans reacted:
– Won the IPL in 2010
– Won the CLT20 in 2010.
– Won the IPL in 2011.
– Won the CLT20 in 2014.THANK YOU, RAVICHANDRAN ASHWIN – THE ULTIMATE CSKIAN 🥹💛 pic.twitter.com/czgNNmLyr1
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) August 27, 2025
Thank you, Ravichandran Ashwin.
I will remember your IPL career as the CSK legend that you still are. One bad/underwhelming season out of 9 seasons won’t make me demean or undervalue what you have done for our great franchise. https://t.co/t7x9KZU4jR pic.twitter.com/HFdsIaEc72
— archith (@InswinginMenace) August 27, 2025
Ravichandran Ashwin
in December 2024: “I want to play IPL for CSK for 3-4 years or even more, I have a lot of cricket left in me”
in August 2025: Announces retirement
What could be the reason 🫣 pic.twitter.com/kaVmcrdImH
— Aakash (@AakashCric) August 27, 2025
“The Carrom Ball genius 🎯
The Master of Spin 🌀
The Game Changer of IPL 💛
Ravichandran Ashwin retires from IPL after 18 glorious years!
Legends don’t retire… they live forever in memories. 👑”#ashwin #Ashwin #ravichandranashwin pic.twitter.com/LZp5Dyf9kv
— Deep_dose (@_voidxdose_) August 27, 2025
Happy retirement Ravichandran Ashwin from IPL the true friend and admire of Rohit Sharma.🙌🫂❤️ pic.twitter.com/0uHmdkjY4V
— 𝐑𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐢𝐢⁴⁵ (@rushiii_12) August 27, 2025
#RavichandranAshwin retires from IPL..
220 Matches – 187 Wickets, 833 Runs..
2010 & 2011 IPL Champions.@ChennaiIPL Legend, @rajasthanroyals Consistent performer..
Captain of @PunjabKingsIPLGo well @ashwinravi99 .. pic.twitter.com/5Tlysl3Rad
— alekhaNikun (@nikun28) August 27, 2025
Ravichandran Ashwin will remain CSK’s pride forever💛 pic.twitter.com/DewuQAPHT3
— Akshat (@Akshatgoel1408) August 27, 2025
Ravichandran Ashwin has retired from the IPL.
Legend of the league. This wicket will forever be in the history books. Thank you king @ashwinravi99 pic.twitter.com/NubFr5U9uj
— Sergio (@SergioCSKK) August 27, 2025
16 Years. 5 Teams. Countless memories! 🇮🇳💛
As Ravichandran Ashwin bids farewell to the IPL, which moment of his stands out for you the most? 🏏✨#Ashwin #IPL2026
#CSK #DC #PBKS #RPS #RR#Ashwin pic.twitter.com/XA9yxJr4Zv
— Jaswant Rai (@insanooo7) August 27, 2025
An end of a remarkable IPL chapter 🏏🙏
Ravichandran Ashwin announces retirement from the IPL while opening doors to overseas leagues 🌍✨
Thank you Ashwin for the skill, spirit & memories you gave to the league. 💙#Ashwin #IPL2025 #raviashwin pic.twitter.com/WlPAcceHQz— Saikrishna (@Saikrishna_04) August 27, 2025
Also READ: Ravichandran Ashwin reveals the shocking ‘extra money’ trick behind CSK’s IPL deal for Dewald Brevis
Numbers tell the tale of Ashwin’s IPL journey
Spanning 16 remarkable seasons since his IPL debut in 2009, Ashwin’s legacy is enshrined in standout numbers and pivotal moments. Representing five teams, he played 221 IPL matches and bowled 4710 balls, scalping 187 wickets with a best of 4/34 and an economy rate of 7.20. His ability to maintain a strike rate of 25.1 deliveries per wicket, taking crucial wickets in pressure situations, made him indispensable for sides like Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Rajasthan Royals (RR), Punjab Kings (PBKS), Delhi Capitals (DC), and Rising Pune Supergiant (RPS).
Ashwin was more than just a bowler; as a handy lower-order batter, he amassed 833 runs, with a top score of 50, maintaining a strike rate of 118.15. Notably, in the last IPL seasons, while wickets grew elusive, his experience continued to mentor younger players and influence match outcomes. In CSK yellow, early seasons saw him deliver match-turning spells, while later years at RR and DC showcased his undiminished tactical acumen. Across IPL and the Champions League T20 (CLT20), Ashwin’s contributions transcended pure statistics, inspiring a generation of both fans and cricketers.
His announcement signals a shift toward global leagues, but for IPL loyalists, the end of Ashwin’s chapter is truly the end of an iconic era—and fans’ reactions make it clear he will be missed.
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