Ravichandran Ashwin Set to Become First Capped Indian to Feature in Big Bash League.
Former Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin has been signed by Sydney Thunder for the Big Bash League (BBL) 2025–26, becoming the first capped Indian male cricketer to play in Australia’s premier T20 competition.
While players like former India domestic cricketer Nikhil Chaudhary and ex-India Under-19 captain Unmukt Chand have previously appeared in the BBL, Ravichandran Ashwin signing is historic. Chaudhary now qualifies as a local in Australia and recently made his List A debut for Tasmania, while Chand is a USA citizen.
Having retired from the Indian Premier League (IPL) earlier this year,Ravichandran Ashwinn is now free to participate in overseas leagues. He has also registered for the upcoming ILT20 auction as one of the players with the highest base price.
The BBL season kicks off on December 14, but Ravichandran Ashwin will miss the first three weeks due to his ILT20 commitments from December 2 to January 4. The BBL home-and-away matches conclude on January 18, with the finals scheduled from January 20–25.
Prior to joining Sydney Thunder,Ravichandran Ashwin was approached by Hobart Hurricanes, Sydney Sixers, and Adelaide Strikers. He also held discussions with Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg and league executives before finalizing the deal.
“I can’t wait to perform for the Thunder Nation,” said Ravichandran Ashwin as he joined Sydney Thunder for the upcoming Big Bash season.
The deal was facilitated by former Australia pacer Trent Copeland, now the Sydney Thunder manager. “I am incredibly proud that Ravichandran Ashwin has chosen Sydney Thunder. From our very first conversation, he impressed everyone at the Thunder with his passion, competitive spirit, and understanding of what makes our club unique. He will bring fresh energy and world-class bowling mid-tournament, while his leadership and mentorship will be invaluable for our young players,” Copeland stated.
“Even more exciting is Ravichandran Ashwin connection with the rapidly growing Indian diaspora in Western Sydney. His presence is sure to inspire a new wave of members and fans to join the Thunder Nation. We can’t wait for them to be part of our journey,” he added on the Thunder website.
Ashwin represented India across formats from 2011 to 2023, claiming 765 wickets in 287 matches, including 537 Test wickets in over 100 games. He was part of India’s victorious squads in the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup and the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy.
“Thunder was very clear about my role and brave enough to back me. My conversations with the leadership were excellent, and we’re fully aligned on my responsibilities. I admire Dave Warner’s approach to the game, and it’s always better when your leader shares your mindset. I can’t wait to perform for the Thunder Nation,” Ashwin said.
He also featured in the IPL from 2009 to 2025, taking 187 wickets in 221 matches across five teams, winning the title twice with Chennai Super Kings in 2010 and 2011.
In a video shared on the Thunder Instagram, Ashwin addressed fans directly: “Hello everyone, this is Ash here—like you all call me in Australia. Hopefully, this summer you’ll call me Ash and not Ravi! I’m super pumped to join Sydney Thunder and play this Big Bash season. Looking forward to connecting with all the Western Sydney fans and having a blast.”
