Former India spin wizard Ravichandran Ashwin explores a new path in his storied career, as he has recently been appointed as the captain and mentor of the Dublin Guardians for the inaugural season of the European T20 Premier League. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially sanctioned the new franchise-based tournament. Ashwin joins the competition as a direct signee, taking on a dual role to direct the franchise’s on-field tactics and oversee squad development.
The Dublin Guardians franchise is owned by former India captain and head coach Rahul Dravid. This marks a reunion of a player-coach duo that had much success in the Indian cricketing setup. At the launch event in Dublin, Dravid confirmed his intention to step back from daily operations, noting that he would not be deeply involved in the cricketing side or present in the dugout, leaving Ashwin to run the team as he sees fit. This makes R Ashwin the go-to man of the franchise.
R Ashwin’s Latest Exploration
Following his retirement from international duties and his final IPL season in 2025, Ravichandran Ashwin wanted to explore new opportunities, shifting his focus strictly to overseas franchise opportunities.
He had become the first Indian player to be signed by a Big Bash League franchise in 2025 when he signed a contract with Sydney Thunder. However, he could not take part in the league because he was ruled out due to injury.
He made history in early 2026 by becoming the first capped Indian international to sign with Major League Cricket (MLC) in the United States, representing the San Francisco Unicorns.
Star-Studded ETPL Roster
The European T20 Premier League has confirmed multiple high-profile international signings ahead of its debut season, which will feature franchises in Amsterdam, Belfast, Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Rotterdam.
Aside Ravichandran Ashwin, the league has secured agreements with the likes of Steve Smith, Mitchell Marsh, Tim David, and Glenn Maxwell, New Zealand’s Mitchell Santner, and South African heavy-hitters Faf du Plessis and Heinrich Klaasen.
Ravichandran Ashwin’s Astonishing Stats
Ravichandran Ashwin arrives in Europe carrying one of the most decorated resumes in modern cricket. He retired from international competition in December 2024 as India’s second-highest Test wicket-taker, claiming 537 dismissals at an outstanding average of 24.01 across 106 matches, trailing only Anil Kumble with 619. He also finished woth a record 37 five-wicket hauls in the longest format. He also scored 3,503 runs with six centuries. He remains the only player in Test history to register more than five centuries alongside 500 wickets.
In limited-overs formats, he secured 156 ODI wickets and 72 T20I wickets, playing a pivotal role in India’s 2011 ICC World Cup and 2013 ICC Champions Trophy victories.
