Spin legend Ravichandran Ashwin’s preparations to become the first capped Indian man to play in the Big Bash League in Australia was stalled after the 39-year-old suffered an injury setback recently in Chennai.
Ashwin’s franchise, the Sydney Thunder, confirmed on Tuesday that the Tamil Nadu off-spinner had undergone surgery after having injured his knee while training in his home city. With no set timeline on his recovery, Ashwin had to forego the entire BBL|15 campaign.
In September 2025, Thunder announced that the 39-year-old had committed for their entire BBL season. The club said that they, however, hope to bring Ashwin on board in a non-playing capacity.
“Everyone at Sydney Thunder was devastated to learn of Ash’s knee injury that has ruled him out of BBL|15, and we wish him well in his recovery,” Trent Copeland, Thunder general manager, said in a statement.
“From the moment we first spoke with Ash, his commitment to Thunder was clear. We are hopeful of welcoming him into our dugout for part of BBL|15, introducing him to our fans at events and building a long-term relationship.
“While disappointing for the club, we have built two championship-contending squads and expect to continue the progress of recent seasons in WBBL|11 and BBL|15. We can’t wait to get back in front of our fans in Western Sydney for two massive campaigns.”
‘Gutted’
Ashwin said he was gutted to miss the opportunity. “My focus now is recovery and coming back stronger,” he said.
“I’m grateful to the Thunder family and the fans for the warmth they’ve already shown me. Trent and the entire management made me feel part of the club from our very first conversation.
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“I will be watching every game (probably at odd hours in Chennai) and cheering for both our women’s and men’s teams. If rehab and travel line up, and only if the doctors are happy, I would love to be around later in the season and say hello in person.”
The spin veteran retired from international cricket last December during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test tour of Australia before announcing his Indian Premier League retirement in August.
