R Ashwin’s IPL Retirement: When Salary, Legacy, and Emotions Collided

The Indian Premier League has seen countless dramatic moments over the years, but few have been as emotionally layered as Ravichandran Ashwin’s farewell from the tournament. The veteran spinner, who has been a central figure in CSK’s success story and one of India’s greatest modern-day cricketers, has now drawn curtains on his IPL journey. And while retirements always spark nostalgia, Ashwin’s exit came with a unique twist—his 2025 salary at CSK was more than double of MS Dhoni’s, creating a storm of conversations around money, performance, and legacy.

A Salary That Shocked Everyone

During the 2025 auction, Chennai Super Kings placed a bold bet on Ashwin by securing him for ₹9.75 crore. In contrast, Dhoni, the face of CSK for more than a decade, was retained at ₹4 crore. This gap was surprising not just because of the numbers, but because Dhoni has been the emotional anchor of the team for years.

The decision reflected CSK’s intent—while Dhoni was nearing the twilight of his career and had taken a pay cut to ease team composition, Ashwin was seen as both a tactical weapon on the field and a mentor for the younger squad members. Still, the disparity in salaries triggered debates among fans, with many questioning whether such a heavy investment in a 37-year-old spinner was justified.

A Season of Highs and Lows

Unfortunately for Ashwin, the numbers didn’t tell the whole story. CSK endured one of their most forgettable seasons, finishing at the bottom of the table and missing the playoffs for the first time. Despite his best efforts, Ashwin couldn’t change the team’s fortunes, and the weight of expectation bore heavily on him.

In candid moments, he admitted to feeling devastated by the team’s struggles, even confessing that he wanted to “sit in a corner and cry.” For a player who has always worn his heart on his sleeve, the raw honesty struck a chord with fans who saw beyond the statistics into the emotional toll of carrying a team through tough times.

The Journey That Built the Legend

Ashwin’s IPL story is nothing short of inspiring.

• The Humble Start (2008): He entered the league as a young spinner, earning just ₹12 lakh in his debut season.
• The Rise (2010–2015): His performances with CSK cemented his place as a dependable match-winner. By 2014, his salary had jumped to over ₹7 crore, reflecting his growing stature.
• The Roaming Years (2016–2021): With CSK suspended for two seasons, Ashwin played for Rising Pune Supergiants, then moved to Punjab and Delhi, where he added captaincy and leadership experience to his profile.
• The Rajasthan Royals Chapter (2022–24): His consistency and adaptability made him a valuable asset, both as a bowler and a cricketing brain.
• The Grand Return (2025): CSK brought him back at a record ₹9.75 crore, a symbolic homecoming that turned out to be his last IPL dance.

Across 17 seasons, Ashwin earned nearly ₹100 crore in salaries alone—placing him among the top earners in league history.

Beyond Numbers: Why Ashwin Was Worth It

To many, the price tag seemed extravagant, but CSK’s management looked beyond wickets. Ashwin’s cricketing intelligence, his ability to mentor upcoming bowlers, and his tactical inputs on and off the field made him invaluable. He wasn’t just a bowler; he was a strategist, often seen guiding captains and younger teammates in critical moments.

Moreover, auctions often inflate prices for proven stars. Teams don’t just pay for performance—they pay for experience, leadership, and the stability a senior player brings. From that perspective, Ashwin’s ₹9.75 crore was not just about overs bowled, but about everything he added to the franchise’s cricketing culture.

The Legacy Question

Ashwin’s retirement opens a larger conversation for CSK. With both him and Dhoni stepping back from the forefront, the franchise faces a massive rebuilding phase. Who becomes the new spine of the team? Will they continue to rely on veterans, or shift toward younger talent?

For Ashwin, though, the decision marks a graceful exit from a league where he proved himself season after season. Fans speculate he might still feature in overseas franchise leagues, or perhaps transition into coaching and commentary—fields where his sharp cricketing brain will surely shine.

A Fitting Goodbye

Ravichandran Ashwin’s last season may not have ended with trophies, but it told a powerful story. A story of how a cricketer who began with modest paychecks became one of the highest-paid and most respected figures in IPL history. A story of how numbers sometimes fail to capture the weight of expectations, the heartbreak of defeats, and the courage it takes to walk away on your own terms.

And most importantly, a story of legacy—because long after the auction numbers are forgotten, fans will remember Ashwin not just for his salary, but for the craft, the intelligence, and the spirit he brought to the game.