Ravichandran Ashwin, one of India’s finest spinners, has created history by signing with Sydney Thunder for the upcoming Big Bash League (BBL). The announcement on Thursday, September 25, marks a special milestone as Ashwin becomes the first Indian cricketer with international experience to feature in Australia’s T20 franchise league.
Ashwin will be available for the second half of the BBL season in January, playing from January 20 to 25, and he’ll also turn out in the finals if Thunder make it that far.
A Star-Studded Line-Up
The Tamil Nadu spinner will slot into a strong Thunder squad that already includes David Warner, Lockie Ferguson, Sam Billings, and Shadab Khan. His presence will add depth to the spin department at a crucial stage of the tournament.
Sydney Thunder Squad: Wes Agar, Tom Andrews, Ravichandran Ashwin (IND), Cameron Bancroft, Sam Billings (ENG), Ollie Davies, Lockie Ferguson (NZ), Matthew Gilkes, Chris Green, Ryan Hadley, Shadab Khan (PAK), Sam Konstas, Nathan McAndrew, Blake Nikitaras, Daniel Sams, Tanveer Sangha, David Warner.
“We’re Fully Aligned On My Role” – Ashwin
Ashwin shared his excitement about the move and praised the team’s leadership for being clear and confident about how they plan to use him.
“Thunder were crystal clear about how they’d use me and brave enough to back it. My conversations with the leadership were excellent, and we’re fully aligned on my role,” Ashwin said.
“I love how Dave Warner plays the game, and it’s always better when your leader shares your mindset. I can’t wait to perform for the Thunder Nation,” he added.
A Legendary Career So Far
Ashwin retired from international cricket with a record that speaks for itself – 537 Test wickets, making him the seventh-highest wicket-taker in Test history. Across formats, he picked up 765 wickets in 287 matches for India, leaving behind a remarkable legacy.
In the IPL, he represented Chennai Super Kings, Rising Pune Supergiants, Delhi Capitals, Punjab Kings, and Rajasthan Royals. He was part of CSK’s title-winning squads in 2010 and 2011, and in total, he has 187 IPL wickets to his name.
“The Biggest Signing in BBL History” – Trent Copeland
Thunder general manager Trent Copeland couldn’t hide his excitement, calling Ashwin’s arrival one of the biggest moments for the league.
“I think it’s arguably the biggest signing in BBL history – first Indian legend and an icon of the game,” Copeland said.
He also revealed Ashwin’s interest in mentoring younger players:
“He’s a very competitive guy but one of the most impressive things has been before I even mentioned a thing about our club, he said, ‘I loved what Sam Billings did for you guys last year as the overseas player. And if I was to play there, I would really want to make sure I leave a positive impact on Tanveer Sangha and Chris Green’.”
With Ashwin’s experience, passion, and leadership, Sydney Thunder fans have plenty to look forward to when he arrives in January.
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