NEW DELHI: Ravichandran Ashwin has called time on his IPL career, announcing his decision on X on Wednesday morning. He stated that he now looks forward to exploring "the game across various leagues."

Ashwin's IPL journey

When he first stepped onto the stage with Chennai Super Kings in 2009, few would have predicted the tall off-spinner from Tamil Nadu would go on to become one of the league's most consistent performers. Under the guidance of MS Dhoni, Ashwin blossomed, playing a pivotal role in CSK's title triumphs in 2010 and 2011. His clever use of variations, carrom balls, and unflappable temperament made him a nightmare for batsmen, especially in the powerplay.

Over the years, Ashwin's IPL story moved beyond CSK. He donned the colors of Rising Pune Supergiant, captained Punjab Kings, turned out for Delhi Capitals, and finally anchored himself at Rajasthan Royals. Across 17 seasons, he built a record of 187 wickets in 221 matches, carving his place as one of the league's most successful spinners.

A career marred with controversies

But Ashwin's IPL legacy isn't just about numbers - it's also about controversies and debates that followed him.

The most talked-about moment came in 2019, when, as Punjab Kings captain, he dismissed Jos Buttler at the non-striker's end - a move cricket purists dubbed against the "spirit of the game." The incident, widely known as the "Mankading" controversy, split opinions across the cricketing world. Ashwin, however, stood by his actions, firmly stating that he played within the laws of cricket.

In IPL 2022, representing Rajasthan Royals, Ashwin made history by becoming the first player in the tournament to voluntarily 'retire out' for tactical reasons. The move sparked intense debate within the cricketing community, with many questioning whether it aligned with the spirit of the game and sporting ethics.

Ashwin's tryst with media

Ashwin's shift into a media role, particularly through his YouTube channel, has not been without controversy. He drew criticism after uploading videos analysing CSK's strategies, which didn't sit well with a section of fans.

Following repeated backlash over his commentary on CSK's decisions, Ashwin eventually announced that his channel would no longer preview or review any CSK matches for the rest of IPL 2025.

Ashwin's IPL career, much like his international one, was marked by both brilliance and boldness, leaving behind memories of a cricketer who never shied away from pushing the limits of the game.