'It’s why I am amazed by MS Dhoni': R Ashwin namedrops MSD while explaining rationale behind his IPL retirement

After announcing his retirement from the Indian Premier League (IPL) earlier this week, Ravichandran Ashwin shared that he is now open to playing in overseas leagues. The veteran spinner, who last played for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the 2025 IPL season, had been unable to participate in these leagues due to his commitment to the IPL. By retiring from the IPL, Ashwin has opened the door to new opportunities in tournaments like the Big Bash League (BBL) and SA20.

R Ashwin heaps praise on MS Dhoni

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin admitted that while he considered playing another season, he ultimately decided against it. He explained that he wasn't prepared to endure the demanding three-month-long schedule of the IPL. He also took the opportunity to commend the remarkable longevity of his former CSK captain MS Dhoni, who, despite turning 44 recently, might still be a part of the IPL next season.

“I thought about playing the IPL next year. But three months of IPL started feeling a bit too long. It’s why I am amazed by someone like MS Dhoni. Though he plays only those three months of IPL, as you age, the bandwidth for those three months keeps reducing. It’s not easy with travel, playing the match and the recovery process. As you age, recovery reduces. And this travel-match-recovery cycle becomes an emotional rollercoaster,” Ashwin said this on his Youtube channel.

“Someone like me, If I don’t sleep by 11 PM, I can’t sleep well. And when you play the IPL, you’ll sleep only by 2 or 3 AM. So doing that in three months made me think deeply, especially about my health. Then, I thought, ‘Should I immediately go for a coaching role?’ I am ready for coaching but on my own terms. So I thought I should play more as I still have something left. So, I want to play and explore,” he added.

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Dhoni's physical struggles have been a major talking point since he underwent knee surgery in 2023, which visibly affected his mobility on the field. The pain in his knee has been a significant concern for the veteran, and just a few weeks ago, he mentioned that it would be the key factor in his decision about playing in the IPL 2026.

Talking about Ashwin, he was one of the most strategic thinkers to ever play in IPL. Ashwin made his debut for CSK in 2009. His final appearance in the tournament also came in the yellow jersey during the 2025 season, after he rejoined the team for Rs 9.75 crore following a decade-long absence. Throughout his IPL career, Ashwin played in 220 matches, taking 187 wickets at an average of 30.22, with his best figures being 4 for 34. A handy lower-order batter, he also scored 833 runs with a highest score of 50, averaging 13.02. Beyond his time with CSK, where he was a key part of the title-winning squads in 2010 and 2011, he also represented the now-defunct Rising Pune Supergiant, as well as the Punjab Kings, Delhi Capitals, and Rajasthan Royals.