Indian cricket great Ravichandran Ashwin has officially joined Sydney Thunder for KFC BBL|15, becoming the first male player from India to sign with a Big Bash League club.
The 39-year-old off-spinner will be available from early January as Thunder push for back-to-back finals appearances. His arrival is being described as the most high-profile overseas signing in the competition’s history.
Ashwin’s career record speaks for itself. Across 287 appearances for India, he has taken 765 international wickets, including 537 in Tests, ranking him eighth all-time in that format. He was part of India’s 2011 World Cup and 2013 Champions Trophy triumphs, was named ICC Cricketer of the Year and Test Cricketer of the Year in 2016, and earned a place in the ICC Men’s Test Team of the Decade for 2011–2020.
His domestic achievements are equally weighty. With 221 Indian Premier League matches across 16 seasons, Ashwin is the seventh most-capped player in the tournament. He has 187 wickets in the IPL, ranking fifth overall, and has twice lifted the trophy with Chennai Super Kings.
Having retired from international cricket and the IPL, Ashwin now begins a new chapter in Australia. He said his decision was shaped by clear discussions with Thunder’s leadership. “Thunder were crystal clear about how they’d use me and brave enough to back it. My conversations with the leadership were excellent, and we’re fully aligned on my role. I love how Dave Warner plays the game, and it’s always better when your leader shares your mindset. I can’t wait to perform for the Thunder Nation.”
Thunder’s General Manager, Trent Copeland, said Ashwin’s presence would boost the team both on and off the field. “From the first time we spoke, Ashwin impressed everyone at the Thunder with his passion, desire to win and understanding of what makes our club special. He will bring an injection of fresh energy and world-class bowling mid-tournament, while his presence as a leader and mentor will be invaluable for our young players. Perhaps most excitingly, Ashwin’s connection with the rapidly growing Indian diaspora in Western Sydney will inspire a new wave of members and fans.”
Thunder begin their campaign with a grand final re-match against Hobart Hurricanes on 16 December before hosting the Sydney Smash at ENGIE Stadium on 20 December. Ashwin will join a squad featuring David Warner, Shadab Khan, Sam Billings and Lockie Ferguson.
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