Former India off-spinner R Ashwin recently opened up about his decision to retire from the Indian Premier League (IPL) due to a challenging and emotionally draining phase he went through while playing for Chennai Super Kings. In an episode of his YouTube show ‘Ash Ki Baat’, Ashwin shared that he could have continued playing in the IPL if it weren’t for the mental toll he was experiencing.
Ashwin retired from international cricket in 2024 and decided to end his IPL career last year to spare the franchise from the burden of deciding his fate. He expressed his disappointment with his performance during his last season with CSK, stating that he felt he could have played more matches but lacked the emotional capacity to do so while managing other aspects of his life.
The off-spinner had requested clarity from CSK regarding his role after being underutilized in the 2025 season, where he only appeared in nine out of 14 matches. Despite starting his IPL journey with CSK, the team struggled last season and continues to face challenges with three consecutive losses under Ruturaj Gaikwad’s captaincy.
Ashwin’s decision to retire from the IPL was influenced by his desire to prioritize his mental well-being and avoid further strain. The veteran player’s candid revelations shed light on the struggles faced by professional athletes and the importance of mental health in sports. The article was published on April 6, 2026.
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