One of India’s greatest spinners, Ravichandran Ashwin IPL 2025, made a shocking revelation about his Test retirement, stating that he had initially planned to retire after his 100th Test match in Dharamsala against England in 2024.
Speaking at an event in Chennai, Ravichandran Ashwin IPL 2025 disclosed that he had even invited MS Dhoni to the match to hand over his farewell memento, marking his last Test appearance. However, the legendary wicketkeeper couldn’t make it to Dharamsala.
While Ashwin eventually retired later that year during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, he expressed deep gratitude towards MS Dhoni for giving him an unexpected gift—bringing him back to Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in IPL 2025.
“I called MS Dhoni for my 100th Test in Dharamsala to hand over the memento. I wanted to make that my last Test. But he couldn’t make it. However, I didn’t think he would give me the gift of getting me back to CSK. It’s a much better one. So, thank you, MS, for doing it. I’m glad to be here.”
This revelation has sent shockwaves through the cricketing world, highlighting Ravichandran Ashwin IPL 2025’s deep connection with Dhoni and his nostalgic return to CSK.
Ashwin’s 100th Test: A Special Moment That Almost Became His Last
📌 March 2024 – Dharamsala Test vs. England
✔ Ravichandran Ashwin IPL 2025 played his landmark 100th Test in Dharamsala.
✔ He delivered a match-winning performance, picking nine wickets in the game.
✔ The BCCI organized a special ceremony, honoring Ashwin’s achievement with a memento and a speech in front of his teammates.
🎙️ What Ashwin Planned:
✔ Ravichandran Ashwin IPL 2025 wanted to retire after his 100th Test, ending his red-ball career on a high.
✔ He personally invited MS Dhoni to the match, hoping for his presence in the farewell moment.
✔ However, Dhoni couldn’t make it, and Ashwin continued playing a few more games.
📌 December 2024 – Final Test in Brisbane
✔ Ravichandran Ashwin IPL 2025 finally retired during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia.
✔ His departure came as a surprise, but as he later revealed, his retirement had been on his mind for months.
Why Did Ravichandran Ashwin IPL 2025 Want to Retire After His 100th Test?
Playing 100 Test matches is a rare feat, and for Ravichandran Ashwin IPL 2025, it was the perfect moment to bow out:
✔ He had achieved everything in Test cricket, including multiple match-winning performances.
✔ He was still at the peak of his game, ensuring he left on a high rather than fading out.
✔ A farewell in India (Dharamsala) would have been a fitting tribute to his legacy.
However, the decision to extend his career for a few more months led him to one final challenge against Australia, where he officially retired from Test cricket.
MS Dhoni’s ‘Unexpected Gift’: A CSK Reunion in IPL 2025
While Ravichandran Ashwin IPL 2025’s planned farewell didn’t go as expected, he received something even more special—a return to Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for IPL 2025.
🎙️ Ashwin on His CSK Comeback:
“Most importantly, I have come back to CSK not as someone who has achieved so much, but as someone who has gone through the full circle and wants to enjoy just like before. It is a wonderful place to be.”
📌 CSK Signed Ravichandran Ashwin IPL 2025 for ₹9.75 Crore
✔ MS Dhoni played a key role in bringing Ashwin back to CSK.
✔ The franchise bought him for ₹9.75 crore, making him one of their marquee signings.
✔ This reunion marks Ashwin’s return to the team where his IPL journey first began.
💛 Why Ravichandran Ashwin IPL 2025’s CSK Comeback is Special
✔ Ravichandran Ashwin IPL 2025 made his name under Dhoni’s captaincy at CSK in the early years of IPL.
✔ He was instrumental in CSK’s title-winning campaigns in 2010 and 2011.
✔ Returning to CSK after over a decade-long gap brings his career full circle.
🔥 For CSK fans, this is more than just a signing—it’s a homecoming.
Ravichandran Ashwin IPL 2025: International Legacy of a Champion
While IPL 2025 marks a new chapter, Ashwin has already cemented his place as one of India’s greatest-ever bowlers.
📊 Ashwin’s International Career Stats
✔ Matches Played (All Formats): 287
✔ Total Wickets: 765
✔ Test Wickets: 537 (2nd highest for India)
✔ ODI Wickets: 156
✔ T20I Wickets: 72
✔ Five-Wicket Hauls (Tests): 37
💡 Major Achievements
🏆 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup Winner
🏆 2013 ICC Champions Trophy Winner
🏆 2024 ICC T20 World Cup Winner
🏆 2025 ICC Champions Trophy Winner
With four ICC trophies and an illustrious Test career, Ravichandran Ashwin IPL 2025 departs as a true legend of Indian cricket.
Why Ravichandran Ashwin IPL 2025’s Return to CSK is a Big Deal for IPL 2025
With the IPL 2025 season set to begin on March 22, Ashwin will be a crucial part of CSK’s setup.
📌 What Ravichandran Ashwin IPL 2025 Brings to CSK
✅ Powerplay Expertise – Known for his new-ball skills, Ashwin can provide CSK with a unique spin option in the powerplay.
✅ Experience & Tactical Intelligence – With over 15 years of IPL experience, he adds depth to CSK’s bowling attack.
✅ Mentorship for Young Spinners – Ashwin’s return means CSK’s young spinners will learn from one of the best in the business.
🏆 Can CSK Win Their Sixth IPL Title?
With MS Dhoni leading the squad once again, and Ravichandran Ashwin IPL 2025 reuniting with his old captain, the Chennai Super Kings look well-prepared to challenge for another IPL title.
Final Thoughts: A Perfect End to Ravichandran Ashwin IPL 2025’s Journey?
📌 Key Takeaways:
✔ Ashwin initially planned to retire after his 100th Test in Dharamsala.
✔ Dhoni couldn’t attend, and Ashwin continued playing before retiring in Australia.
✔ CSK gave him an unexpected farewell gift—bringing him back for IPL 2025.
✔ With CSK looking to win their sixth IPL title, Ashwin could play a key role in their campaign.
🚀 Will Ravichandran Ashwin IPL 2025’s return to CSK lead to another title-winning fairytale? IPL 2025 will tell the story!
