Ashwin is writing a different story – Aakash Chopra reacts to off-spinner’s IPL retirement

Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra has opened up on Ravichandran Ashwin’s decision to call time on his IPL career. After biding adieu to the lucrative tournament, Ashwin has indicated that he would explore opportunities to play in foreign T20 leagues.

During the IPL 2025 mega auction, CSK had brought Ashwin for INR 9.75 crore, as the off-spinner returned to the franchise after nine years. However, the veteran spinner didn’t have a happy homecoming, taking only seven wickets in nine matches at a high economy rate of 9.12.

Overall, Ashwin scalped 187 wickets in 221 IPL matches at an average of 30.23 and an impressive economy rate of 7.20. Ashwin also scored 833 runs in the lucrative tournament. 

Chopra said Ashwin’s decision can also pave a new path for other players, who want to play in foreign leagues.

“Ravichandran Ashwin has said goodbye to the IPL as well, and he is now saying that he will go play the different leagues across the globe. He is charting a new course. His IPL career has been terrific, but all good stories come to an end, and his story ends here. Does it mean other Indian players can also go to play in other leagues?” Chopra questioned on his YouTube channel.

The former Delhi cricketer said Ashwin is going to get picked in whichever league he puts his hat in the ring.

“Wherever he puts his name, he is going to get picked, and he will do very well. Indian players aren’t allowed to play in the other leagues to save the novelty of the IPL. If you have to go and play elsewhere, you have to retire not just from international cricket, but also from the IPL, and that’s a slightly big caveat. You can go and play somewhere else only if you say tata bye-bye to IPL money,” he added.

The reputed commentator said Ashwin kept improving his variations throughout his IPL career and thus savored success in the league.

“Let’s celebrate Ravichandran Ashwin. Leaving aside the stats, he has done some incredible things. Absolutely clean action, there is no doosra, but he stayed consistently relevant as a bowler. This format is extremely difficult for a finger spinner. He has been outstanding. Constantly outthinking the batter. It seems like he hasn’t bowled two similar balls,” he commented.

Ashwin ends his career as the fifth-highest wicket-taker in the IPL. The off-spinner won two IPL titles with Chennai Super Kings in 2011 and 2012.