R Ashwin retires from IPL: A look at his controversies in the T20 league

In a social media post on Wednesday, India all-rounder R Ashwin announced his retirement from the Indian Premier League (IPL). 'Ash' last played for the Chennai Super Kings in his long career.“Special day and hence a special beginning. They say every ending will have a new start, my time as an IPL cricketer comes to a close today, but my time as an explorer of the game around various leagues begins today.“Would like to thank all the franchisees for all the wonderful memories and relationships over the years and most importantly the @IPL and the @BCCI for what they have given me until now. Look forward to enjoying and making the most of what’s ahead of me,” wrote Ashwin on social media.Ashwin made his IPL debut in 2009 with CSK and played 221 matches in the premier T20 league, taking 187 wickets at an impressive economy rate of 7.20. Ashwin, also a handy option with the bat, scored 833 runs, including a fifty.The 38-year-old represented five IPL teams - CSK, Rising Pune Super Giants, Punjab Kings, Delhi Capitals and Rajasthan Royals.His biggest success came at CSK where he was part of the side that won the title in 2010 and 2011.R Ashwin controversies in IPL careerOutspoken Ashwin has been involved in multiple controversies and debates during his IPL career. It ranged from his on-field actions to remarks made on social media, even his own YouTube channel.Mankading Incident (2019)One of the most famous IPL controversies involving Ashwin was the 'Mankading' of Rajasthan Royals' Jos Buttler during IPL 2019 when Ashwin was captain of Kings XI Punjab. He ran out Buttler at the non-striker’s end, causing a widespread debate about the “spirit of cricket,” with players, commentators, and BCCI officials expressing divided opinions. The incident remained a talking point for years and shaped Ashwin’s reputation as an assertive rule follower.'Retire Out' (2022)In IPL 2022, while playing for Rajasthan Royals, Ashwin became the first player in IPL history to 'retire out' himself voluntarily for tactical reasons, which led to heavy debate within the cricketing community on whether the move was in line with sporting ethics or the spirit of the game.Social media and YouTube channel controversies (2025)Ashwin’s transition to a media personality, including running his own YouTube channel, developed its own set of controversies.He faced backlash after posting videos dissecting Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) team strategy on his YouTube channel.Due to recurrent controversies from discussions and opinions aired about CSK decisions, Ashwin announced publicly that his YouTube channel would not preview or review any CSK games for the remainder of IPL 2025.Dewald Brevis signing controversy (2025)Ashwin sparked a controversy, which forced CSK into issuing a statement, after he revealed on his channel that CSK were willing to pay “extra” to sign Dewald Brevis as a mid-season replacement in 2025. This led to speculation around the legality of the deal, compelling CSK to issue an official clarification that all signing protocols were abided by and that no IPL rules were broken.