Ravichandran Ashwin’s name will forever be etched in the history of the Indian Premier League (IPL) — not just for his success with the ball, but also for the controversies that followed him across seasons.
After 16 years in the tournament, Ashwin has stepped away from the IPL to explore opportunities in overseas leagues. He leaves as the fifth-highest wicket-taker in IPL history, with two titles won in his early years at Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Known for his tactical sharpness and fearless approach, Ashwin built a reputation as one of the most intriguing figures in T20 cricket.
But along with his brilliance came moments that divided opinions and kept him in the headlines. Here’s a look back at some of his most talked-about IPL controversies.
The Famous Buttler ‘Mankad’
Perhaps the most iconic controversy of Ashwin’s IPL career came in 2019 while leading Kings XI Punjab. With Jos Buttler batting fluently on 69 in a chase, Ashwin stopped mid-delivery and ran the Englishman out at the non-striker’s end.
The incident triggered a storm over the “spirit of cricket.” While many criticized the move, Ashwin stood firm, repeatedly stating that the dismissal was well within the rules. The debate intensified when England pacer James Anderson even shredded a picture of Ashwin in protest.
CSK & The Dewald Brevis Remark
In his final IPL season with CSK (2025), Ashwin once again stirred controversy — this time off the field. On his YouTube channel, he suggested that the team would have been willing to pay “extra” to secure Dewald Brevis, who had been a revelation that year.
The statement forced CSK to issue a clarification, stressing that Ashwin was speaking hypothetically and that no rules had been broken. Given CSK’s history of a past suspension, the incident caused unnecessary panic before it was quickly put to rest.
The First-Ever Retired Out in IPL
Ashwin cemented his reputation as Indian cricket’s “mad scientist” in IPL 2022 while playing for Rajasthan Royals. Promoted up the order as a pinch-hitter, he shocked everyone by becoming the first player in IPL history to ‘retire out’, walking off with 10 balls left to let Riyan Parag take charge.
The move paid off as RR added 30 runs in that phase and won the match by just three runs. Though unconventional, the decision opened doors for a tactical trend that has since been repeated multiple times, even in playoffs.
The Kings XI–Delhi Capitals Trade Drama
Ashwin’s off-field controversies weren’t limited to his comments or tactics. Back in 2019, he found himself in the middle of a drawn-out trade saga between Kings XI Punjab and Delhi Capitals.
After captaining KXIP for two seasons, Ashwin sought a move, but the franchise management initially resisted. The matter dragged on until the last moment, before he finally joined Delhi ahead of the 2020 season. The move worked out — Ashwin helped DC reach the final in 2020 and qualify for the playoffs in 2021.
Ashwin’s IPL Legacy
Love him or hate him, there’s no denying Ashwin’s impact on the IPL. He redefined what a spinner could do in T20 cricket, pushed tactical boundaries, and never shied away from controversy.
As he now turns his focus to overseas leagues, Ashwin’s IPL journey remains a story of brilliance, boldness, and plenty of drama — a career that will be remembered for both wickets and headlines.
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