Due to a knee injury, former India cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin’s eagerly awaited debut in the Australian Big Bash League has been halted. The off-spinner will miss the full season with Sydney Thunder.
In order to concentrate on playing in T20 tournaments throughout the world, such as BBL, The Hundred, and SA20, Ashwin retired from international cricket late last year and from the IPL in August 2025.
“While training in Chennai to prepare for the upcoming season, I hurt my knee. I’ve had a procedure, and the outcome means I’ll miss BBL15. That is tough to say. I was genuinely excited to be part of this group,” wrote Ashwin on Instagram.
BBL 15 is scheduled to start on December 14. The renowned cricketer will also miss the Hong Kong Sixes from November 7–9 due to the ailment. In HK Sixes, Robin Uthappa has taken his place.
Ashwin stated that he will now concentrate on recuperation after the medical operation.
“For now it is rehab, recovery and doing the work to come back stronger. From my first chat with the club, I have felt only warmth. Trent (Copeland, the Thunder general manager), the staff, the players and so many of you who have already reached out. Thank you for making me feel at home before a ball has been bowled,” he wrote for Sydney Thunder fans.
Ashwin had previously stated that he would be available for the entire Thunder BBL15 season, including the finals.
The legend stated that he would like to support the Thunder later in the season if the injury heals.
“If rehab and travel line up, and only if the doctors are happy, I would love to be round later in the season and say hello in person. No promises. That is the intent,” he wrote.
The news “devastated” Thunder General Manager Copeland’s team.
“Everyone at Sydney Thunder was devastated to learn of Ash’s knee injury… and we wish him well in his recovery.
“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 BBL15, 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 WBBL11 and BBL15. We can’t wait to get back in front of our fans in Western Sydney for two massive campaigns,” added Copeland.
The Sydney Thunder’s squad includes players like Tanveer Sangha, Lockie Ferguson, Sam Billings, Cameron Bancroft, David Warner, and Sam Konstas.
