Ashwin's New Chapter: From Player to Captain-Coach
Ravichandran Ashwin — one of India's greatest spinners — is embarking on a new chapter. The 39-year-old has been named captain and mentor of the Dublin Guardians in the inaugural European T20 Premier League (ETPL) season.
What makes this special? The franchise is owned by Rahul Dravid, Ashwin's former India coach. It's a beautiful full-circle moment.
What Ashwin Said
In an exclusive chat, Ashwin opened up about his new role:
"This is a crossover into what I'd like to do next. I've been doing captaincy and mentoring at the franchise level for a while now, so this is an extension of that. It's not a retirement from cricket — it's a new way to be involved."
He continued: "The ETPL is a fantastic opportunity to grow cricket in Europe. I want to help develop the game globally, not just in India."
What is the ETPL?
The European T20 Premier League is a new franchise-based T20 league aiming to grow cricket in Europe. It features teams from:
- Ireland — Dublin Guardians (owned by Rahul Dravid)
- Scotland — Edinburgh Rocks
- Netherlands — Amsterdam Kings
Ashwin's Career Stats
| Format | Matches | Wickets | Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 106 | 537 | 23.97 |
| ODI | 116 | 156 | 32.91 |
| T20I | 65 | 72 | 23.22 |
Why This Matters
Ashwin's move to the ETPL signals a growing trend of Indian cricketers exploring opportunities in overseas leagues after retiring from international cricket. It's a win-win: players get to continue playing, and leagues get star power.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ashwin's role in the ETPL?
Ashwin is the captain and mentor of the Dublin Guardians in the inaugural European T20 Premier League season.
Who owns the Dublin Guardians?
The Dublin Guardians are owned by Rahul Dravid, former India coach and Ashwin's longtime colleague.
When does the ETPL start?
The inaugural ETPL season dates are yet to be officially confirmed, but it's expected to start in late 2026.
Why is Ashwin playing in the ETPL?
Ashwin sees it as a way to stay involved in cricket after retiring from international cricket and to help grow the game in Europe.
Sources: Cricbuzz exclusive interview, ETPL official announcements
Published: July 2, 2026 | Author: CricAI Editorial | Category: Cricket News