Ravichandran Ashwin made a surprise comeback to cricket by playing in TNCA Second Division matches on Sunday, July 19, 2026. The unexpected appearance of the experienced cricketer in local club cricket caught the attention of cricket fans on social media.
The 38-year-old player has already retired from international cricket and the Indian Premier League (IPL). His recent domestic appearance after a brief stint in Major League Cricket (MLC) in the United States kept fans engaged with his post-retirement journey.
Ravichandran Ashwin is playing TNCA Second Division match on Sunday
Users on Twitter (formerly known as Twitter) shared videos and pictures of Ravichandran Ashwin playing in the TNCA Second Division League match. Ashwin surprised many fans who praised his passion for the game even after retiring from international cricket.
Ashwin’s appearance came just a week after former India opener Murali Vijay played in a TNCA Third Division match. His presence gave local cricketers a rare opportunity to play with one of India’s greatest spinners and generated a lot of excitement in the match.
The experienced off-spinner is active in domestic cricket as well as playing in foreign franchise leagues. Fans enjoyed seeing Ashwin once again in traditional white clothes.
Ravichandran Ashwin is playing TNCA Second Division match on Sunday
Ash’s love for cricket never ends. pic.twitter.com/kfTyGNs2pY
– Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) July 19, 2026
Last week M Vijay participated in the TNCA Third Division. Today R Ashwin is playing in the second division.
– Venkata Krishna B (@venkatatweets) July 19, 2026
Ravichandran Ashwin becomes the first Indian player to play MLC
Earlier this year, Ravichandran Ashwin created history by joining San Francisco Unicorns in Major League Cricket. He became the first Indian international to compete in Major League Cricket.
Ashwin played just one match, against Texas Super Kings on 20 June, in which he took 0/24 from two overs. The San Francisco Unicorns later reached the playoffs before their campaign ended in the qualifiers.
The off-spinner will next lead the Dublin Guardians in the European T20 Premier League (ETPL). Ashwin will serve as both captain and advisor to the Rahul Dravid-owned franchise. The six-team tournament will be played in Ireland, Scotland and the Netherlands from August 26 to September 20.
Ravichandran Ashwin’s career in statistics
Ravichandran Ashwin retired from international cricket in December 2024 and also resigned from IPL in 2025. He became one of India’s greatest cricketers, taking 537 wickets at an average of 24.00 in 106 Test matches, including 37 five-wicket hauls and 25 four-wicket hauls.
Ashwin also made important contribution with the bat. He scored 3,503 runs in 151 Test innings at an average of 25.75, including six centuries and 14 half-centuries. He scored almost 1,000 more Test runs than Anil Kumble, who scored 2,506 runs with one century during his career.
In ODI cricket, Ashwin took 156 wickets in 116 matches at an average of 33.20, with his best bowling performance being 4/25. He took 72 wickets in 65 T20Is at an average of 23.22 and an economy rate of 6.90, with a career-best performance of 4/8. Ashwin took 187 wickets in 221 IPL matches at an average of 30.22.
The experienced spinner has also had to battle injury problems in recent months. A knee injury required surgery and ruled him out of his first Big Bash League season with Sydney Thunder.
Also read: Watch: Rohit Sharma’s wife Ritika Sajdeh reaches Lord’s amid speculations of retirement
