CSK pays heartfelt tribute to 'thirupurra sundaran' R Ashwin after IPL retirement

Chennai Super Kings paid a heartfelt tribute to R. Ashwin after the veteran off-spinner announced his retirement from the Indian Premier League on Wednesday, 27 August. Ashwin had last represented CSK after securing a big-money deal worth ?9.75 crore in the mega auction. He was widely expected to see out the ongoing 2025-27 cycle with the Super Kings, but his announcement on social media came as a shock.

"Chepauk's own. The carrom-ball thiruppura-sundaran (the beautiful spinner)!" CSK wrote, referring to one of Ashwin's favourite characters from the Tamil film Michael Madana Kama Rajan.

"From your first run-ups in Yellove on the dusty tracks of Anbuden to absolute spin domination in the world's grandest arenas, you've given us everything. You've pillared our legacy and made Fortress Chepauk roar like no other!

"You truly have the streets, Ashwin!"

Alongside the tribute, CSK shared a specially designed poster featuring a giant image of Ashwin plastered across the stands of the MA Chidambaram Stadium.

"The journey that began as a Super King, ends as a Super King. Forever a lion, forever one of us," the franchise added.

Ashwin was instrumental in Chennai Super Kings' first two IPL title triumphs in 2010 and 2011. He played under MS Dhoni for CSK between 2009 and 2015, before making a homecoming to the five-time champions in 2025. Over his career with CSK across the IPL and the now-defunct Champions League T20, Ashwin picked up 127 wickets in 130 matches. He finished as the second-highest wicket-taker among spinners for the franchise, behind only Ravindra Jadeja's 152.

The off-spinner had earlier retired from international cricket midway through a Test series in Australia in 2024, but often spoke about his special connection with CSK and his fond memories of playing at Chepauk. However, his return in 2025 did not go according to plan.

Ashwin managed just seven wickets in nine appearances during the 2025 IPL season. For the first time since establishing himself as a mainstay in Indian cricket, he was unable to complete a full season with his franchise. He was eventually benched during the second half of the campaign by Dhoni, who reclaimed the captaincy after Ruturaj Gaikwad suffered an injury midway through the season.

Speculation soon emerged that Ashwin was likely to be traded ahead of the mini-auction. The bowler himself, on his YouTube show, admitted that he had sought clarity from CSK about his future. While many expected him to return to the auction pool, Ashwin instead surprised fans and experts alike with his decision to retire from the league.

Beyond CSK, Ashwin also made a significant impact with Rajasthan Royals, Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals. Between 2022 and 2024, he forged a successful stint with the Royals, claiming 35 wickets across three seasons.

In his retirement statement, Ashwin confirmed that he would look to pursue opportunities in overseas T20 leagues. There is strong speculation that he could feature for one of the Super Kings' sister franchises in the SA20, Major League Cricket or the ILT20.