Ravichandran Ashwin has become a part of Sydney Thunder for the upcoming Big Bash League (BBL) season. The veteran will be the first capped India player to participate in Australia’s premier league. Last month, Ashwin retired from the Indian Premier League (IPL) to explore opportunities in other T20 leagues. Earlier, in December 2024, Ashwin retired from international cricket after serving Team India for 14 years. This year, he returned to Chennai Super Kings (CSK) after 10 years but he struggled to be among the wickets. Donning CSK colours, he could pick up only seven wickets in nine matches at an economy of 9.12.
Ravichandran Ashwinwill be the third player from India to show up in BBL. Former India Under-19 captain Unmukt Chand and ex-India
domestic player Nikhil Chaudhary also played for Melbourne Renegades and Hobart Hurricanes respectively in BBL. However, Chand as a US national got the chance to serve Melbourne while Chaudhary as a local in Australia became a member of Hurricanes. Ashwin held talks with four BBL teams but eventually signed the contract with Thunder. Ashwin will play under the leadership of David Warner and he will be expected to solidify Thunder’s spin-bowling attack with Tanveer Sangha and Chris Green.
Sydney Thunder’s performance in BBL in its illustrious history
In 15 years of BBL, Sydney Thunder have won only one title. In 2016, Thunder lifted the trophy under Michael Hussey’s captaincy after beating the David Hussey-led Melbourne Stars in the final of the tournament played at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Discussing Thunder’s performance in the previous edition of the tournament, they reached the final of the competition under veteran David Warner but lost against Hurricanes, who won their maiden title under Nathan Ellis.
