Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin called time on his illustrious Indian Premier League (IPL) career last week.

In his farewell note shared on 'X', Ashwin categorially mentioned that he is ready to explore new leagues. “They say every ending will have a new start; my time as an IPL cricketer comes to a close today, but my time as an explorer of the game around various leagues begins today,” he wrote.

Ashwin started off his IPL career at CSK in 2009 and played a key role in the team’s title wins in 2010 and 2011. He was associated with the Chennai-based franchise till 2015 before joining the now-defunct Rising Pune Super Giants, followed by stints with the Punjab Kings, Delhi Capitals, and Rajasthan Royals.

Ashwin returned to his home franchise in 2025 after a gap of eight years, but failed to make a mark. Overall, he played 221 IPL matches and claimed 187 wickets at an economy rate of 7.20, finishing as the fifth-highest wicket-taker in the league’s history.

Reflecting on Ashwin’s IPL career, South African legend AB de Villiers opined that the off-spinner should have never left CSK in the past, as he did not feel “settled” while playing for other teams.

“Stellar career. It has got to be said, what a wonderful player. What a scientist of the game. A doctor, professor of the game. He always took it to the limits of the rules book. Generally got it right, even though he was frowned upon a little bit. I have a lot of respect for guys who study the game, and he was one of such cricketers,” said de Villiers during a 360 Live session on X.

“Incredible skill. A huge player and icon in India. He won so many games for Team India and CSK over the years. He played for other teams but never felt settled at those teams. In my opinion, he should have always stayed at CSK. Obviously, it was not up to him, as a lot of things go into that retention, all kinds of team selection. But I will always remember him as a yellow jersey guy,” the RCB great added.

Ashwin was signed by CSK for INR 9.75 crore during the mega auction last November. However, he failed to do justice with the price tag, claiming seven wickets in nine matches at an average of 40.43 and an economy rate of 9.13.

However, AB de Villiers said Ashwin can be proud of his career as he even acknowledged the spinner's ability with the bat in hand.

“Very underrated with the bat in hand. It is not spoken enough about how he showed a lot of character with the bat in hand. Generally, with Team India in trouble, he would have sort of come through,” de Villiers remarked.

Ashwin bid adieu to international cricket in December 2024, midway through the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. He represented India in 106 Tests, 116 ODIs, and 65 T20Is, picking up 765 wickets across all formats.

Ashwin finished his career as the country’s second highest wicket-taker (537 scalps) in Test cricket, only behind Anil Kumble’s record tally of 619 dismissals.