AB de Villiers believes Ravichandran Ashwin should have spent his entire IPL career with Chennai Super Kings (CSK). The South African legend feels Ashwin never looked fully “settled” at other franchises, even though he played a long and successful career in the league. Ashwin retired from the IPL last year after featuring in the 2025 season with CSK.
R. Ashwin began his IPL career with CSK in 2008 and played an important role in their 2010 and 2011 championship victories. Later on, he played for the Punjab Kings, Rising Pune Supergiant, Delhi Capitals, and Rajasthan Royals. His greatest moments occurred while wearing the colours of CSK, despite his experience with other teams.
The off-spinner played 221 matches in his IPL career, taking 187 wickets at an economy rate of 7.20. One of his most famous spells came in the 2011 final when he dismissed Chris Gayle early, helping CSK secure the trophy.
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AB de Villiers’ Take on Ashwin
During a 360 Live session on X, AB de Villiers praised Ashwin’s contribution to Indian cricket and the IPL.
“Stellar career. It has got to be said, what a wonderful player. What a scientist of the game. A doctor, professor of the game. He always took it to the limits of the rules book. Generally got it right, even though he was frowned upon a little bit. I have a lot of respect for guys who study the game, and he was one of such cricketers,” said de Villiers.
The former South Africa captain added that Ashwin was most at home with CSK.
“Incredible skill. A huge player and icon in India. He won so many games for Team India and CSK over the years. He played for other teams but never felt settled at those teams. In my opinion, he should have always stayed at CSK. Obviously, it was not up to him, as a lot of things go into that retention, all kinds of team selection. But I will always remember him as a yellow jersey guy,” he added.
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Ashwin’s Return & Struggles
Ashwin returned to CSK in the 2025 season after being bought for INR 9.75 crore. But his performance fell short of expectations. He managed only seven wickets in nine games and leaked runs in the powerplay overs.
Even so, de Villiers believes Ashwin can take pride in his overall achievements. He also highlighted Ashwin’s underrated batting skills.
“Very underrated with the bat in hand. It is not spoken enough about how he showed a lot of character with the bat in hand. Generally, with Team India in trouble, he would have sort of come through,” said de Villiers.
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Legacy of a Legend
Ashwin retired from international cricket in December 2024 during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. He finished as India’s second-highest wicket-taker, only behind Anil Kumble.
R. Ashwin leaves behind a legacy of not only wickets but also intelligence and flexibility when he retires from the IPL in 2025. Even though AB de Villiers played for a number of teams during his career, many fans agree that Ashwin will always be known as the ‘yellow jersey guy’ of CSK.
