AB De Villiers Lauds R Ashwin, Calls Him A Genius Of The Game & An IPL Legend In CSK Colours

Ravichandran Ashwin has long been celebrated as one of the most intelligent and versatile cricketers of India. A match-winner with the ball and an underrated contributor with the bat, he has often been called a “professor of the game” for his tactical mind and constant innovation. His retirement from the Indian Premier League marks the end of a significant chapter in his cricketing journey, while opening the door to new opportunities on the global T20 stage.

On August 27, Ashwin announced his decision to step away from the IPL after playing 221 matches across five franchises – Chennai Super Kings, Rising Pune Super Giants, Punjab Kings, Delhi Capitals and Rajasthan Royals – from 2009 to 2025. The 38 years old spinner from Chennai expressed his desire to continue competing in T20 leagues around the world after retiring from Indian cricket. His exit from the league surprised a few fans but had been widely anticipated given his recent struggles.

Reports had already suggested that Ashwin was eyeing new ventures. He is keen to become the first Indian cricketer to feature in England’s The Hundred while also registering for the International League T20 in the UAE, a tournament where half of the franchises are owned by IPL stakeholders. His decision reflects both the increasing global footprint of T20 cricket and his own desire to continue challenging himself beyond Indian shores.

R Ashwin’s final season in the IPL came with Chennai Super Kings, the team with which he enjoyed the greatest success. Bought for a hefty sum of Rs 9.75 crore at the 2025 mega auction, he could not deliver the expected performances and was even dropped midway through the season by captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni. It was anticipated that CSK would release him before the 2026 auction but Ashwin preempted that by announcing his retirement on his own terms.

His association with CSK, however, remains iconic. Across two stints with the franchise, from 2009 to 2016 and briefly again in 2025, he played 106 matches, winning two IPL titles and becoming the third highest wicket-taker for the side. His clever off-spin and ability to deliver in crucial moments made him a vital part of Chennai’s dominance during the early years of the tournament.

Former South African captain AB de Villiers who himself is a legend of the IPL paid glowing tribute to Ashwin’s legacy. He described him as a stellar cricketer who studied the game like a scientist, pushing the limits of the rulebook yet usually managing to get things right. For AB de Villiers, Ashwin’s cricketing mind and analytical approach set him apart as someone who elevated the art of spin bowling.

De Villiers also highlighted how Ashwin always seemed most at home in Chennai’s yellow jersey, even though he represented several other teams. While circumstances often dictated franchise changes, the South African cricketer said that he would always associate Ashwin with CSK. He also noted that the Indian spinner’s batting ability was underappreciated, recalling many occasions where Ashwin showed resilience and character with the bat when his team was in trouble.

Ashwin’s decision to retire from the IPL closes an era for both him and the tournament. Few players combined skill and intelligence the way he did, leaving behind not just statistics but also a reputation for innovation.

As he prepares to explore cricket in new leagues around the world, fans will remember his IPL career as one that shaped both his identity and the tournament’s history.

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