Indialegendary spinner of Ravichandran Ashwin Ready to make waves as he prepares for his first girl Big Bash League (BBL) Season with Sydney Thunder, led by david warnerInitially, Ashwin had planned to play only a few matches due to commitments in the ILT20, but After remaining unsold in Dubai auctionHe has agreed to play the entire 2025/26 season, creating history as the first Indian male cricketer in the league.
Ravichandran Ashwin’s Big Bash League debut
The two-time IPL winner has unmatched experience, having taken nearly 600 Test wickets and has mastered every format of the game. Former coach of India Ravi Shastri, Kayo Sports praised Ashwin’s commitment during the event and said, “Think this is the first time an Indian player is coming, that in itself is a huge thing. And he is not just an Indian player; he is someone who has taken almost 600 wickets (in Tests). He is someone who loves to play and wants to play…I have spoken to him and he is playing the whole Big Bash this time.” His arrival promises to bring quality, excitement and high-level strategy to Australia’s premier T20 competition.
Sydney Thunder will rely on Ashwin’s experience early in their season and he is scheduled to return to Adelaide on January 6, giving him ample time to acclimatise and make a big impact. His debut isn’t just a personal milestone; This is a historic milestone for the influence of Indian cricket in global T20 leagues.
Also read: Big Bash League: Indian legend Ravichandran Ashwin created history by joining Sydney Thunder
Ravi Shastri gives stern warning to batsmen ahead of Ashwin’s first BBL season
Ravi Shastri did not hold back when discussing what the opponents can expect from Ashwin in the BBL. Known for his amazing cricket intelligence and accuracy, Ashwin has already earned a reputation as a master tactician at the non-striker’s end. Shastri warned “Don’t leave your crease. He’ll run you out. That’s the first message. Don’t try to steal runs, because he’ll take those bails off, and rightly so.”
This warning is not empty. Ashwin famously ran out Jos Buttler in a 2019 IPL match while Buttler left the crease early, sparking debate over the “spirit of cricket” while remaining completely within the laws of the game. His tactical awareness, coupled with his spin wizardry, makes him a formidable presence in the BBL, forcing every batsman to think twice before taking risks.
Ashwin’s BBL journey follows his retirement from the IPL in August 2025, which frees him from BCCI contracts and allows him to explore overseas opportunities. Whereas Unmukt Chand Ashwin, who has previously represented India in the BBL, is the first Test veteran to grace the league, bringing credibility and a high level of expertise to the Australian T20 stage.
Also read: BBL|15 – Cricket Australia reveals full schedule for Big Bash League 2025-26