Ravichandran Ashwin is set to pull on the India jersey once more, just weeks after announcing his retirement from all forms of mainstream cricket, including the Indian Premier League (IPL). The 38-year-old off-spinner has been named in India’s squad for the Hong Kong Sixes 2025, to be staged from 7 to 9 November.
Cricket Hong Kong confirmed the development on its official channels, sparking excitement ahead of the six-a-side tournament that has long been a fan favourite for its fast-paced, television-friendly format. Ashwin’s selection marks a fresh chapter in his post-retirement journey.
While bidding farewell to the IPL earlier this year, he had made it clear that he remained open to featuring in short-format competitions around the globe. That stance has now paved the way for his inclusion in the Hong Kong Sixes, where every player, bar the wicketkeeper, must bowl an over—a format tailor-made for multi-skilled cricketers.
Ashwin’s IPL career began in 2009 with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and came full circle in 2025 when he returned to the franchise, albeit with limited opportunities. Across 221 IPL matches, he picked up 187 wickets, making him the fifth-highest wicket-taker in the tournament’s history, with an economy rate of 7.2.
He won two titles with CSK in 2010 and 2011, and was player of the tournament in the now-defunct Champions League T20 in 2010. In between his stints with CSK, he represented Rising Pune Supergiant, Punjab Kings, Delhi Capitals, and Rajasthan Royals, missing the 2017 season through injury before resuming his IPL career in different colours.
Beyond the IPL, Ashwin has left an indelible mark on Indian cricket. He retired from international duty in December 2024, finishing with 537 Test wickets, second only to Anil Kumble among Indian bowlers. His career also yielded 156 ODI wickets and 72 in T20 internationals. Since making his Test debut against the West Indies in 2011, where he took nine wickets and was named player of the match, Ashwin has gone on to deliver eight 10-wicket hauls and score six centuries in 106 Tests.
His final international appearance came in the 2024-25 tour of Australia, which India lost 3-1. Ashwin’s last T20I was in November 2022.
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