The Indian Premier League has witnessed many extraordinary careers, but few have been as captivating and controversial as Ravichandran Ashwin‘s 16-season journey. From his humble beginnings as a young spinner earning just ₹12 lakh per season to becoming one of cricket’s most respected tacticians, Ashwin’s IPL story is a testament to adaptability, innovation, and unwavering determination.
The Golden Beginning: Chennai Super Kings (2009-2015)
Ashwin’s IPL career kicked off with CSK, where his wicket-taking skills and economical spells played a key role in their success. He earned a modest salary of just Rs 12 lakh per season, but his clever variations quickly made him one of CSK’s most valuable bowlers.
The Tamil Nadu spinner’s early years were nothing short of spectacular. Ashwin won the IPL with CSK in 2010 and 2011, establishing himself as a crucial cog in MS Dhoni’s championship machine. From 2011, Ashwin became a core part of CSK’s title-winning campaigns. His salary jumped to Rs 3.91 crore per season, reflecting his growing importance.
During his tenure with Chennai, Ashwin took 90 wickets from 97 matches in the IPL across eight seasons for the Super Kings. His innovative carrom ball became a signature weapon, consistently troubling the league’s best batsmen.
A Journey Across Franchises
When CSK faced suspension, Ashwin’s journey took him across multiple franchises, showcasing his adaptability:
IPL Career Statistics by Team
| Team | Years | Matches | Wickets | Economy Rate | Best Figures |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chennai Super Kings | 2009-2015, 2025 | 106 | 95+ | 6.8-7.2 | 4/34 |
| Rising Pune Supergiants | 2016-2017 | 28 | 25+ | 7.1 | 3/23 |
| Kings XI Punjab | 2018-2019 | 28 | 25+ | 7.8 | 4/33 |
| Delhi Capitals | 2020-2021 | 28 | 25+ | 6.9 | 3/17 |
| Rajasthan Royals | 2022-2024 | 46 | 40+ | 7.5 | 3/17 |
Career Highlights and Milestones
Ravichandaran Ashwin has played 221 matches to date in his IPL career and he took 187 wickets, with an average of 30.23, conceding nearly 7.20 runs per over with a best individual figure of 4/34.
Key Achievements:
- Two-time IPL Champion (2010, 2011 with CSK)
- 187 career wickets in 221 matches
- First player to retire out in IPL history (2022 vs LSG)
- In April 2022, Ashwin became only the second off-spinner to achieve this milestone
- Consistent performer across 16 seasons
The Financial Journey: From Thousands to Crores
He earned INR 97.24 crore during his IPL career. His earnings trajectory reflects his growing stature in the tournament:
- 2009-2010: ₹12 lakh per season (CSK)
- 2011-2015: ₹3.91 crore per season (CSK)
- 2022: ₹5 crore (Rajasthan Royals)
- 2025: ₹9.75 crore (CSK return) – his highest IPL bid
Controversies and Tactical Brilliance
Ashwin’s career wasn’t without controversy. Veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin’s IPL career was full of drama. Here are the top five controversies that defined his 16 years in the tournament. From heated on-field exchanges to his innovative “Mankad” attempts, Ashwin never shied away from pushing cricket’s tactical boundaries.
During the group stage match against Lucknow Super Giants in the 2022 season, he tactically retired out in the 19th over, becoming the first cricketer in IPL to do so. This move exemplified his cricket intelligence and willingness to put team needs above personal milestones.
The Emotional Homecoming and Farewell
The Tamil Nadu spinner returns to CSK in TATA IPL 2025 after a decade, rejoining the franchise for INR 9.75 Crore. However, his homecoming in IPL 2025 after eight years of playing for other teams turned out to be less than ideal. Ashwin, who was acquired by CSK at the mega auction last year for INR 9.75 crore, played nine of 14 matches.
In a surprising turn of events, Ashwin brought curtain down on ‘my time as an IPL cricketer’, ending his 16-season journey on an emotional note.
Legacy and Impact
Ashwin’s IPL legacy extends beyond statistics. Ashwin is known for his famous carrom ball, which he picked up from the streets of Chennai. His tactical acumen, innovative bowling variations, and fearless approach to the game have inspired a generation of cricketers.
The veteran’s journey from Chennai’s local grounds to IPL stardom represents the tournament’s power to transform careers and lives. His ability to reinvent himself across different teams and conditions showcased the adaptability that made him a global cricket icon.
Read more- Virat Kohli Retirement: Will RCB Star Quit IPL once He starts being an Impact Player?
