Ravichandran Ashwin has officially drawn the curtains on his Indian Premier League (IPL) career, ending a 16-season run that was as eventful as it was impactful. The veteran spinner took 187 wickets in total, finishing as the league’s fifth-highest wicket-taker, with a commendable economy rate of 7.2.

Ashwin started his IPL career playing for Chennai Super Kings, and he also finished his time in the league with the same franchise. Over the years, he also featured for Rising Pune Supergiant, Delhi Capitals, Rajasthan Royals, and led Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) during his captaincy stint. Although Ashwin’s career was filled with notable accomplishments, several of his actions on the field sparked debate.

The controversial 2019 dismissal of Jos Buttler

In 2019, Ashwin was involved in one of the IPL’s most controversial moments when he dismissed Jos Buttler by running him out at the non-striker’s end. Playing for Punjab Kings, Ashwin paused during his delivery stride after noticing Buttler had left his crease early. He turned, dislodged the bails, and appealed, leading to an on-field dismissal that sparked widespread debate.

Though completely legal under the laws of cricket, the act was seen by many as unsporting. The event triggered a wave of reactions across the cricketing world, making it one of the most talked-about IPL moments in recent memory.

Ashwin becomes the first to be tactically retired out

Ashwin made history in the 2022 season while playing for Rajasthan Royals, becoming the first batter in IPL history to be strategically retired out. Promoted to bat at number six against Lucknow Super Giants, he scored 28 off 23 balls, including two sixes. Then, at the start of the 19th over, he walked off voluntarily, allowing Riyan Parag to take his place at the crease.

The move paid off, as the Royals added crucial late runs and posted a competitive total 165. Ashwin’s retired-out became a landmark moment in the evolution of T20 tactics.

Dewald Brevis Controversy

Just days before retiring, Ashwin found himself involved in a fresh controversy. Speaking on his YouTube channel, he suggested that CSK had considered paying a premium to sign young South African batter Dewald Brevis as a mid-season replacement in 2025.

This claim led to a swift rebuttal from Chennai Super Kings, who issued a public statement confirming that all player acquisition protocols had been followed and no IPL regulations were violated.