Ravichandran Ashwin’s retirement from the Indian Premier League (IPL) post-2025 season has triggered universal interest throughout the cricket community. Having already retired from international cricket, the seasoned off-spinner has now closed the chapter on one of the most defining periods in his illustrious career. But the question nagging everybody’s mind is what’s next for one of the sport’s brightest thinkers?
A Glorious IPL Chapter Ends
Ashwin’s career in the IPL has been nothing less than extraordinary. From his emergence with Chennai Super Kings under MS Dhoni to leading Punjab Kings and eventually becoming a game-changer for Rajasthan Royals and CSK once more, Ashwin established himself as both a cunning match-winner and a chess player. His notorious ‘Mankading’ dismissal, his aggressive bowling experiments within the Powerplay, and his capacity to outsmart batters turned him into a player whom aficionados enjoyed arguing about.
By retiring after the 2025 season, Ashwin has drawn the curtains on a two-decade-long IPL career, leaving behind over 170 wickets and countless memorable spells. Yet, instead of closure, his retirement has only opened up a new chapter one filled with mystery.
Mentor in the Making?
Most in the cricketing community feel that Ashwin’s next vocation would be mentoring or coaching. With his brilliant tactical mind, he has been likened to an in-game coach, always placing fields, advising bowlers, and even testing batting line-ups with innovative mixes.
A few IPL franchises may be keen to sign him up as a mentor or advisor. His knowledge of match-ups, conditions, and pressure games is priceless making him an asset to have in the dressing room, even away from the field.
But Ashwin is still playing his cards close to his chest, leaving fans wondering.
The Digital Connection: A Clue?
Perhaps the most compelling part of Ashwin’s future is his rapidly increasing online presence. His highly successful YouTube channel, through which he analyzes matches, offers tactical analyses, and interacts with fans, is a huge favorite among cricket enthusiasts.
Might retirement from cricket translate to more time spent developing this platform? Speculation runs that Ashwin can become one of cricket’s largest digital narrators, combining his analytical mind with the reach of social media. For a man who has always enjoyed challenging tales, YouTube might just be his new pitch.
What’s Next? The Mystery Deepens
For now, Ashwin is tight-lipped, giving rise to speculations regarding his post-IPL career. Will he enter coaching? Commentate full-time? Create an internet empire? Or surprise fans with something totally different?
One thing is for sure: Ashwin’s innings are far from finished. If his cricketing life was all about innovation and surprise, his second innings will be just as intriguing.
