‘Could’ve played for two more years’- Kris Srikkanth shocked at Ravi Ashwin’s IPL retirement

Former India cricket player Kris Srikkanth is stunned by Ravichandran Ashwin's sudden retirement from the Indian Premier League (IPL), believing the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) veteran has at least two more seasons left in him.

Ashwin, 38, announced his IPL retirement on Wednesday after a disappointing 2025 season in which he claimed just seven wickets in nine games at an average of 40.42 and an economy of 9.12.

Despite the drop in form, the star off-spinner finishes as the fifth-highest wicket-taker in IPL history with 187 wickets in 221 games at an incredible economy rate of 7.20.

“I am not sure why Ashwin retired. If I were in his place, I would have continued playing IPL for at least another two years. Of course, for Ashwin, money, fame, or name is not an issue. But he could have played in the IPL for another two years and then gone on to play in the other leagues,” Srikkanth said on his YouTube channel.

“Probably, other Indian cricketers will also follow this approach of playing in other leagues once their time in the IPL is up. However, the recognition and visibility a player gets in the IPL is much higher than those from all leagues. So, one can play other leagues for the sake of it, but what you get in the IPL, other leagues don’t come close to it,” he added.

R Ashwin had joined CSK in IPL 2008 and made his IPL debut in 2009. He also played for Rajasthan Royals, Punjab Kings, Delhi Capitals, and Rising Pune Supergiants.

Ashwin has been one of the best IPL cricketers: Kris Srikkanth

Ashwin mentioned that he now intends to explore opportunities in global T20 leagues, a path Srikkanth feels other Indian players could follow in the future. Still, he emphasized that the IPL continues to stand unrivaled in terms of visibility and prestige.

“Ashwin has been one of the best IPL cricketers India has produced. His name to fame itself was through the IPL. Though he had done well in the domestic competitions and for India in Tests, he was first recognized through the IPL and CSK, especially when he kept dismissing Chris Gayle for fun,” said Srikkanth.

“He was both an attacking and an economical bowler in the IPL. I am only surprised that he is walking away in the middle of a three-year cycle after the Mega auction last year. In a way, it’s a good sign that players retiring from India can become coaches or players in foreign leagues,” the 1983 World Cup winner concluded.

R Ashwin captained Punjab Kings for two years in 2018-19 and was the first player to run a batter out at the non-striker’s end. He was also the first batter in the IPL to be retired out.

Stay updated with the latest cricket news, match insights, and exclusive updates at BetBarter and download the BetBarter app to start betting today!