IPL 2026: Major update on R Ashwin's role in upcoming season

R Ashwin announced his retirement from the IPL in August 2025.

Seen as one of the most intelligent players during his active years, Ravichandran Ashwin developed a reputation as a wicket-taking threat, thanks to his tactical mastery and strategic understanding. For India, the bowling all-rounder played 65 T20Is, taking 72 wickets.

Meanwhile, in the IPL, Ashwin has played for five different franchises across 16 different seasons. After making his debut in 2009 with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), he played for the five-time champions for seven consecutive seasons. Later, he played for Rising Pune Supergiants in 2016 and then represented Punjab Kings in 2018 and 2019.

Later, he played for the Delhi Capitals in 2020 and 2021, and then he joined the Rajasthan Royals, for whom he played for three seasons (from 2022 to 2024). In 2025, he returned to his old franchise, CSK, and, in August 2025, announced his retirement from the IPL.

In a total of 16 seasons, Ashwin played 221 matches, taking 187 wickets and scoring 833 runs while giving numerous unforgettable moments to cricket fans, especially in the 2019 IPL, when he dismissed Jos Buttler through Mankading. Although he won’t be seen playing in the 2026 edition, he will entertain fans in a new role.

What role would R Ashwin take in the IPL 2026?

Former Chennai Super Kings all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin will be doing Hindi commentary on JioHotstar for IPL 2026. The 39-year-old also had a YouTube channel, Ash Ki Baat, where he regularly discusses cricket and related topics.

Ashwin also shares his opinion on ICC tournaments, having watched the ICC T20 World Cup final between India and New Zealand alongside fans on his YouTube channel. He has been discussing the IPL, during which he also speaks with other cricket journalists and experts.

As a result, after he retired from the tournament, it was expected that he might take up a commentary role before heading into the competition, potentially as a coach. Ashwin is also known for having strong opinions, thanks to his experience at the international and domestic levels.

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