Ravichandran Ashwin has always been more than just a cricketer. He is known for his sharp reading of the game, a trait that has made him one of the finest spinners of his generation. The Tamil Nadu-born has decorated his cricketing career with several major triumphs, including four ICC-accredited trophies, namely the 2011 Cricket World Cup, the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy, and two Asia Cups in 2010 and 2016.
Now, he has made a significant revelation about his future. Just days after officially retiring from the Indian Premier League (IPL) on August 24, the legendary off-spinner confirmed that he has already registered for an overseas league.
A new chapter after IPL retirement for Ravichandran Ashwin
Ashwin, a two-time IPL champion and one of the tournament’s most successful bowlers, is ready to explore cricket beyond the Indian stage. He spoke openly on his YouTube channel about his future, explaining how he wants to carefully choose his next opportunities.
Ashwin said, “Of course I won’t be playing anywhere and everywhere for 10 months. Whatever each team’s requirements are and the ones I satisfy, I’ll play in those leagues. I’ve already registered for one of the leagues, and so let us see how that pans out.”
This statement reflects the clarity and maturity of a player who has seen it all. Ashwin doesn’t need to prove anything anymore; he simply wants to enjoy cricket again, much like a youngster playing in the streets.
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For Ashwin, the motivation now is not about records or trophies. It is about going back to the roots of why he fell in love with the sport in the first place. He made it very clear what he seeks in this next phase of his journey.
“Playing around the world outside India is fun as nobody knows who you are. You can enjoy it thoroughly. Bowling without any pressure will almost make the ball land perfectly on the spot and even if it doesn’t, it’s fine as I will finally enjoy playing with joy. I want to play on the global stage the way I played street cricket. This was always on my mind and I finally want to do it moving forward,” Ashwin explained.
These words show a man who is deeply aware of what happiness means to him. After years of performing under the weight of expectations, he now wants to embrace the lighter side of the sport.
Ravichandran Ashwin lives life in his own terms
What makes Ashwin truly remarkable is that he believes in living authentically, putting his happiness and well-being first, while ensuring he doesn’t hurt others in the process.
“My thing is I want to live my life on my terms for my happiness. As long as I don’t hurt anyone and maybe help a few, it gives as much happiness as the achievements on the cricketing field. Playing cricket and touching lives, while balancing the family’s needs, is the ultimate challenge of life at this stage. Hence, within these parameters, I am trying to see what time I get to expand my joy,” Ashwin said.
A legacy that goes beyond numbers for Ravi Ashwin
For the record, Ravi Ashwin finished his IPL career as the fifth-highest wicket-taker with 187 scalps. Notably, he won two IPL titles and two Champions League titles during the playing days of his CSK career. On the other hand, he took 765 wickets in international cricket.
His career has been about brains as much as skill. From playing a crucial role in India’s 2011 World Cup and 2013 Champions Trophy triumphs to dazzling in Test cricket across conditions, Ashwin has left an indelible mark.
