Ravichandran Ashwin’s rise to becoming one of India’s most celebrated spin bowlers began long before his international acclaim, but it was the Indian Premier League that truly turned him into a familiar name for cricket fans. His IPL path started with Chennai Super Kings, later moved through several franchises during the middle stretch of his career, and ultimately brought him back to Chennai near the end—closing the loop by finishing his IPL journey with the same team where it first took off. Mahendra Singh Dhoni, a key figure in Ashwin’s early story, backed the off-spinner early on and played a major role in his India selection, with Ashwin’s first call-up arriving while Dhoni was captain. Over time, Ashwin also carved out a role as Harbhajan Singh’s successor in the Indian setup.
Learning the IPL ropes with CSK
Looking back on his opening years in the league with Chennai Super Kings, Ashwin explained that it took him several seasons to grasp what it really meant to compete in a star-studded environment. The veteran spinner pointed to the limited chances that can come when established international icons occupy the same bowling unit, and he said that patience was tested during those early IPL campaigns.
- Ashwin said it took him “six or seven years” to fully understand the scale of the challenge.
- He noted that Muttiah Muralitharan’s presence and the fact that the Sri Lankan legend was bowling his full quota meant Ashwin was not getting regular opportunities.
- He revealed that he did not play in 2008, but his first appearance came in 2009 in Cape Town, when he faced Mumbai Indians against Sachin Tendulkar.
- He added that even between 2009 and 2010, he still struggled to find consistent opportunities.
Ashwin shared these reflections on JioStar’s “The Ravichandran Ashwin Experience”.
A Dhoni moment that sparked hope
In the same conversation, Ashwin recalled an episode from the Challenger Trophy that involved Dhoni—one that began with a burst of celebration and ended up serving as a personal milestone. He described getting a rare chance to bowl to Dhoni, taking a wicket after a shot to deep cover, and then celebrating in a way that briefly annoyed the former India captain.
- Ashwin said he got an opportunity to bowl to Dhoni during the Challenger Trophy.
- He mentioned Dhoni dismissed against their side twice, including a moment where Ashwin took a diving catch after a shot toward deep cover.
- He admitted his over-the-top celebration irritated Dhoni, with Dhoni questioning why Ashwin was celebrating so much.
- Ashwin told Dhoni that getting his wicket was his dream and suggested it could “open a door” for him in CSK.
- He added that the following year he received his chance.
That memory, Ashwin suggested, became a meaningful stepping stone on his road back to Chennai.
Where Ashwin’s IPL career ended and what it delivered
Ashwin retired from the IPL after the 2025 season, bringing an extensive and productive spell to a close. Over a long IPL career, he developed a reputation as one of the tournament’s most dependable spin options—an all-round contributor whose value extended beyond just wickets.
- He played more than 220 IPL matches.
- In that time, he took close to 187 wickets while also keeping strong control with the ball.
- His approach—outthinking batters and adjusting to varying conditions—made him a consistent franchise asset.
- He featured for Chennai Super Kings, Rising Pune Supergiants, Punjab Kings, Delhi Capitals, and Rajasthan Royals.
- When the match situation demanded it, he also contributed useful runs lower down the order.
