Ashwin ends IPL journey, shifts focus to overseas leagues
P&C | Wednesday, 27 Aug. 2025
India| Planet & Commerce
End of an IPL Era
Veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, one of India’s greatest bowlers and the IPL’s fifth-highest wicket-taker, has announced his retirement from the Indian Premier League (IPL). The 38-year-old confirmed that while his IPL chapter has ended, he will continue to play T20 franchise cricket across the world.
Ashwin, who began and ended his IPL career with Chennai Super Kings (CSK), also turned out for Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings), Delhi Capitals, Rajasthan Royals, and Rising Pune Supergiant. Known for his deceptive variations, cricketing intellect, and resilience, Ashwin departs the IPL with a stellar legacy of 187 wickets in 221 matches at an economy rate of 7.2.
Ashwin’s Farewell Message
Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Ashwin reflected on his IPL journey:
“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. Look forward to enjoying and making the most of what’s ahead of me.”
The message, both emotional and forward-looking, signals his readiness to embrace the next chapter of his cricketing career abroad.
IPL Legacy: Fifth-Highest Wicket-Taker
Ashwin’s numbers in the IPL reflect his consistency and impact:
- Matches: 221
- Wickets: 187
- Economy Rate: 7.2
- Best Figures: 4/34
- Franchises Represented: 5
- IPL Titles: 2 (with CSK in 2010 and 2011)
What makes Ashwin unique is not just the wickets but his ability to reinvent himself — from a conventional off-spinner to a bowler with carrom balls, leg-breaks, and experimental deliveries, often outfoxing world-class batters.
International Retirement in 2024
Ashwin’s IPL retirement comes just months after his decision to step away from international cricket in December 2024.
His international record is legendary:
- Tests: 106 matches, 537 wickets, 8 ten-wicket match hauls, 6 centuries.
- ODIs: 116 matches, 156 wickets.
- T20Is: 65 matches, 72 wickets.
In Tests, he stands second only to Anil Kumble (619 wickets) among Indian bowlers. Globally, he is seventh on the all-time wicket-takers’ list.
The BCCI Rule: Why No Overseas Leagues Until Now
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has a strict policy: active Indian players cannot participate in overseas franchise leagues.
- While still playing for India and in domestic cricket, Ashwin was barred from overseas leagues.
- His retirement from IPL now frees him to sign contracts with international T20 franchises.
This aligns him with former India stars like Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh, Suresh Raina, and Irfan Pathan, who featured in global leagues post-retirement.
Likely Overseas Destinations
Cricket analysts expect Ashwin to be one of the most sought-after names for overseas leagues, thanks to his experience and tactical nous.
Potential leagues:
- Big Bash League (Australia) – where spinners have thrived on slow pitches.
- The Hundred (England) – a format tailor-made for innovators like Ashwin.
- CPL (Caribbean Premier League) – spinners play a central role in Caribbean conditions.
- ILT20 (UAE) – booming with Indian-origin stars and big contracts.
- SA20 (South Africa) – rapidly growing as a T20 powerhouse.
Given his profile, Ashwin could emerge as both a player and mentor, adding strategic depth to franchises.
A Journey With Chennai Super Kings
Ashwin’s bond with CSK is etched in IPL history.
- He debuted with the franchise in 2009.
- Under MS Dhoni’s leadership, he became a mainstay, winning two titles.
- His battles against the likes of Chris Gayle and his iconic spell in the 2010 and 2011 seasons remain unforgettable.
Ashwin often credited CSK and Dhoni for shaping his career, giving him the confidence to innovate.
Stints With Other Franchises
Beyond CSK, Ashwin left his mark elsewhere:
- Kings XI Punjab: As captain in 2018–2019, he brought leadership experience.
- Delhi Capitals: Partnered with younger spinners like Axar Patel, mentoring them.
- Rajasthan Royals: Contributed both as bowler and thinker, often in crunch situations.
- Rising Pune Supergiant: Filled CSK’s void during their suspension years.
Each stint added to his versatility and adaptability, cementing his reputation as one of the IPL’s most cerebral cricketers.
Reinventing Spin: Ashwin the Innovator
Ashwin is more than just a bowler — he is a student and scientist of cricket.
- Introduced the carrom ball, surprising batters with spin from a flick of the fingers.
- Experimented with angles, pauses, and flight to out-think aggressive T20 hitters.
- Advocated the controversial but legal “Mankad” run-out, sparking debates on the spirit vs laws of cricket.
His innovations have influenced a generation of spinners globally.
Beyond Bowling: A Handy Batsman
Ashwin was also a valuable lower-order batsman, with:
- 6 Test centuries – an exceptional feat for a bowler.
- Match-winning partnerships, especially in India’s 2021 Gabba series win against Australia.
- In the IPL, he often provided late cameos and strategic batting depth.
This all-round ability made him indispensable across formats.
Reaction to Retirement
Tributes poured in from across the cricketing world:
- Harsha Bhogle (commentator): “Ashwin’s IPL career has been about guile, wit, and reinvention. He departs as one of the finest thinkers of the game.”
- Rajasthan Royals (franchise): Posted a heartfelt message thanking him for mentoring young spinners.
- Fans: Flooded social media with videos of his iconic wickets and innovative bowling.
For many, Ashwin’s retirement signals the end of an IPL era where spin bowling was as glamorous as power-hitting.
Ashwin’s New Chapter
With IPL behind him, Ashwin is expected to:
- Sign short-term franchise contracts abroad.
- Explore roles as a mentor, coach, or commentator in parallel.
- Contribute to cricket discussions on his popular YouTube channel, where he breaks down tactics.
His next innings will likely combine playing with thought leadership in cricket, making him a global ambassador of spin.
Legacy in Indian Cricket
Ashwin’s contribution to Indian cricket goes beyond numbers:
- Redefining off-spin: He proved spinners could dominate in all formats, including T20s.
- Role model: Inspired younger spinners like Kuldeep Yadav, Washington Sundar, and Ravi Bishnoi.
- Test dominance: Formed India’s lethal home spin duo alongside Ravindra Jadeja.
- Thinker of the game: Always engaged in evolving strategies, earning respect worldwide.
Conclusion: End of One Era, Start of Another
Ravichandran Ashwin’s retirement from the IPL is both the end of a glittering domestic chapter and the beginning of an exciting global journey. With 187 IPL wickets, two titles, and countless memorable spells, he leaves behind a legacy of brilliance, innovation, and resilience.
Now free from BCCI restrictions, Ashwin is set to bring his genius to international franchise leagues, where his cricketing mind will continue to inspire and entertain.
For IPL fans, his absence will be felt deeply, but for global cricket, this marks the start of Ashwin 2.0 — the travelling wizard of T20 spin.
Sunil Gavaskar slams foreign experts over India squad
P&C | Wednesday, 27 Aug. 2025
India | Planet & Commerce
Gavaskar’s Sharp Words Ahead of Asia Cup 2025
With the Asia Cup 2025 just days away, former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has lashed out at foreign ex-cricketers for commenting on India’s squad selection. While debates within India are natural whenever a team is picked, Gavaskar insists that outsiders have no business interfering in India’s cricketing decisions.
His remarks come after cricketers like AB de Villiers voiced opinions about Shreyas Iyer’s exclusion, sparking online debates. Gavaskar, in his weekly Sportstar column, minced no words in accusing overseas pundits of using India’s cricket conversations to gain social media followers.
The Squad Announcement and Selection Debates
The Ajit Agarkar-led BCCI selection committee named a 15-member squad for the continental tournament starting on September 9. As always, discussions erupted:
- Inclusions: Young talents like Yashasvi Jaiswal found a place.
- Exclusions: Shreyas Iyer’s omission surprised many.
- Leadership: Suryakumar Yadav will captain the side, a decision seen as transitional with the T20 World Cup on the horizon.
The squad sparked plenty of chatter within Indian cricket circles — but Gavaskar’s irritation was directed at foreign ex-players wading into the debate.
Gavaskar’s Argument: “None of Their Business”
In his column, Gavaskar wrote:
“What is baffling is foreigners who have zero stake in Indian cricket, and much less knowledge about it, wading into the debate and adding fuel to the fire. However great they may be as players and however many times they may have been to India, the selection of the Indian team is strictly none of their business.”
He stressed that when other countries pick their squads, Indian commentators never interfere:
“Have you ever heard Indian ex-cricketers talk about the selection of other countries’ teams? No, we mind our own business.”
For Gavaskar, the double standard is clear: while Indian cricket is fair game for global commentary, foreign boards rarely receive such scrutiny from Indian legends.
Social Media and the Search for Followers
Gavaskar also linked this phenomenon to the rise of social media:
- Publicity motive: Many foreign pundits, he argued, comment on Indian cricket to stir reactions.
- Engagement strategy: Negative takes on Indian players lead to heated debates, which in turn boost their follower count.
- Thick skin advantage: Pundits with resilience to online backlash exploit this cycle to stay relevant.
As Gavaskar put it:
“That’s why so many overseas cricketers have made a living by needling Indian cricket lovers with their mostly negative comments.”
India’s Opening Matches
India will begin their Asia Cup 2025 campaign against the UAE on September 10, but all eyes are on the blockbuster clash with Pakistan on September 14. With Suryakumar Yadav leading the side, the tournament offers a crucial test before the 2026 T20 World Cup cycle.
The Larger Debate: Commentary vs Interference
Gavaskar’s comments have reignited a broader debate:
- Should ex-cricketers, regardless of nationality, be free to analyse any squad?
- Or should respect for sovereignty in selection keep pundits from interfering?
In global cricket, where commentary and analysis cross borders, Gavaskar’s firm stance reasserts the idea that India’s cricket decisions are for Indians alone to dissect.
Reactions to Gavaskar’s Remarks
- Fans: Many agreed with Gavaskar, saying overseas stars often poke into Indian cricket just to stay relevant.
- Critics: Some argued cricket is a global sport and open commentary is part of its ecosystem.
- Neutral Observers: Pointed out that while Gavaskar’s defence of India’s autonomy is valid, modern cricket thrives on international opinion-sharing.
Regardless, the remarks underline how sensitive squad selections remain in cricket-crazy India.
India’s Asia Cup Goals
For India, the Asia Cup isn’t just another tournament:
- Preparation: It sets the tone for upcoming ICC events.
- Team balance: Offers a chance to test new combinations under Suryakumar Yadav.
- Psychological edge: The India-Pakistan clash remains a global cricket spectacle, carrying immense pressure.
The squad controversies, fuelled by both Indian debates and foreign commentary, only add to the drama before the tournament kicks off.
Gavaskar’s Larger Legacy of Straight Talk
This isn’t the first time Gavaskar has spoken bluntly:
- He has previously criticised BCCI’s selection transparency.
- He has called out commentary biases in global cricket.
- He has fiercely defended Indian players from what he perceives as unfair international criticism.
Gavaskar’s stature as a legendary opener and respected columnist ensures his words resonate widely.
Conclusion: Protecting India’s Cricketing Autonomy
As India gears up for the Asia Cup 2025, Sunil Gavaskar’s sharp words have once again put the spotlight on how cricket is discussed globally. For him, India’s squad decisions are an internal matter, not to be judged by outsiders chasing social media clout.
While foreign pundits will likely continue sharing opinions, Gavaskar’s stance reinforces the sentiment that Indian cricket’s debates belong to Indians — passionate fans, former players, selectors, and experts.
For players like Shreyas Iyer and Yashasvi Jaiswal, the focus remains on performance. For the fans, the countdown begins to the high-voltage India-Pakistan clash on September 14. And for Gavaskar, the message is clear: let India decide India’s cricket.
Hamilton’s Ferrari Struggles Spark Decline Debate
P&C | Wednesday, 27 Aug. 2025
Hungary | Planet & Commerce
A New Chapter with Old Questions
When Lewis Hamilton joined Ferrari at the start of the 2025 Formula 1 season, the move was seen as both historic and ambitious. For the most successful driver in F1 history — with 105 wins and 104 poles — the Scuderia represented a fresh challenge and an opportunity to close his glittering career with one more championship run.
But 14 races into the season, Hamilton’s start has been fraught with struggles, self-doubt, and technical mismatches, leaving fans and pundits divided: is this simply a transition phase in adapting to Ferrari machinery, or the first real sign of a decline in the great Briton’s career?
A Tale of Two Halves
The numbers of Hamilton’s debut half-season with Ferrari are inconclusive.
- Hamilton trails Charles Leclerc in qualifying by 12-5, averaging 0.146 seconds slower.
- Before Miami (Race 6), his deficit was wider at 0.204 seconds.
- Since mid-May, that gap has narrowed to 0.078 seconds, even including tough weekends in Belgium and Hungary.
This shows progress, but also inconsistency. Hamilton occasionally flashes pace, even out-qualifying Leclerc in 3 of 4 races mid-season, but when the Ferrari isn’t predictable, he looks vulnerable.
Emotional Hamilton: “Just Useless”
Hamilton’s frustrations have spilled into public comments. At the Hungarian Grand Prix, he called himself “just useless” and admitted he “drove terribly.”
Similar remarks echoed his 2024 slump at Mercedes, when he confessed in Qatar:
“I’m definitely not fast any more.”
While these comments are often heat-of-the-moment, they reveal a loss of confidence — something rarely associated with Hamilton in his prime.
The Qualifying Conundrum
Why is qualifying so important in Hamilton’s story?
- He is the all-time record pole-sitter with 104 poles.
- Until 2023, no teammate had beaten him across their stint together.
- His pride has always been in raw, single-lap speed.
Yet in recent seasons, George Russell (2024) and now Leclerc have consistently outpaced him over one lap. For a driver who built his reputation on qualifying dominance, this shift fuels questions about form and adaptation.
Ferrari’s Design Challenge
Hamilton’s struggles cannot be isolated from Ferrari’s car philosophy.
- Modern F1 cars (since 2022) rely on ground-effect aerodynamics with low, stiff setups.
- This prevents Hamilton from exploiting his trademark strength: late braking and corner entry rotation.
- At Mercedes, he voiced discomfort; at Ferrari, it has intensified.
Ferrari’s new floor (Austria) and rear suspension upgrade (Belgium) improved Leclerc’s confidence, but Hamilton still complains of instability. The mismatch between his style and the car’s demands is clear.
Age and Biological Decline
Hamilton turned 40 this year, sparking debates about whether age is now a factor.
- Reflexes, vision, and adaptability all naturally decline with age.
- Former world champions like Nigel Mansell and Alain Prost saw their competitiveness fade in their late 30s and early 40s.
- Fernando Alonso, still competitive at 43, is the exception, not the rule.
Experts note that Hamilton’s biological ageing, combined with nearly two decades of relentless F1 travel and pressure, may be affecting his ability to adapt quickly to new styles of driving.
The Psychological Burden
Since losing his controversial eighth world title in Abu Dhabi 2021, Hamilton has been carrying a mental weight.
- At Mercedes (2022–2024), he lacked a car capable of fighting for titles.
- His move to Ferrari was meant to reignite motivation, but adapting to a new team culture and fast teammate is mentally draining.
- As Damon Hill put it:
“You can get run down… Lewis has been doing this his whole life. The clock catches everyone.”
A Look at Teammate Dynamics
Comparisons with Leclerc matter:
- Leclerc’s advantage: Racing for Ferrari since 2019, he knows the team’s systems and car philosophy.
- Hamilton’s challenge: Building rapport with engineer Riccardo Adami, a relationship not yet at the “shorthand understanding” level he had with Peter Bonnington at Mercedes.
In such tight margins, familiarity makes the difference. Leclerc is not only fast but comfortable — Hamilton is still learning Ferrari’s language.
History Repeats: The Style Problem
This isn’t the first time a champion has struggled to adapt to car changes.
- Michael Schumacher struggled on his Ferrari comeback (2010–2012).
- Sebastian Vettel found ground-effect cars at Aston Martin uncomfortable in 2021.
Hamilton’s reliance on a specific braking-and-rotation technique may have become too ingrained, making the required style adjustment more difficult with age.
Looking Ahead: 2026 Regulations
There is hope on the horizon for Hamilton.
- The 2026 F1 regulations will return cars to flat, stepped bottoms, closer to the pre-2022 style he thrived on.
- If those cars suit his braking-entry strengths, Hamilton could yet stage a revival.
- With Ferrari investing heavily, Hamilton may see 2025 as a transition year, with the real chance coming later.
Is It Decline or Transition?
The answer lies somewhere in between:
- Transition: Hamilton is still within a tenth of Leclerc, one of the fastest qualifiers in F1. That suggests competitiveness.
- Decline: His inability to consistently adapt, coupled with age and confidence struggles, may mean his peak dominance is past.
Like all greats, Hamilton faces the reality that time is undefeated. But given the right car, he could still deliver victories.
Legacy Already Secured
Regardless of Ferrari struggles, Hamilton’s legacy is untouchable:
- 7 World Championships (joint record with Schumacher).
- 105 Race Wins (all-time record).
- 104 Poles (all-time record).
Even if he never wins again, Hamilton remains a global sporting icon whose career is already unparalleled.
Conclusion: The Ferrari Gamble
Hamilton’s Ferrari chapter is far from over. Whether it becomes a renaissance story or a gentle sunset depends on how quickly Ferrari can provide him with a car that matches his instincts — and how much longer Hamilton’s body and mind can sustain the grind of Formula 1.
At 40, with nearly two decades of racing behind him, his every lap is under scrutiny. But one thing is certain: counting out Lewis Hamilton has always been a mistake.
The 2026 regulations could be his final chance at glory — until then, Ferrari and Hamilton must navigate this uneasy period of transition, adaptation, and self-belief.