Official: R Ashwin Signs for Sydney Thunder and Becomes First Indian to Play in Big Bash League

Former Indian superstar and offspinner, Ravichandran Ashwin has officially signed for Sydney Thunder for the upcoming Big Bash League season. Breaking a record of being the first Indian cricketer to sign for the BBL.The 39 year old recently announced his retirement from international on December 18,2024 and franchise cricket on August 27,2025.

What does Ashwin say about this?

“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,” Ashwin was quoted as saying by Sydney Thunder.

What does Sydney Thunder say about this?

“Most excitingly, Ashwin’s connection with the rapidly growing Indian diaspora in Western Sydney will inspire a new wave of members and fans to join the Thunder Nation. We can’t wait for them to become part of our journey.”

Contract Details

Ashwin is likely to receive a high per-game salary that will still fit inside Thunder’s salary cap. Thunder are able to go over the cap by AUD$150,000 this year if they offset that over the next two. Ashwin has also signed an additional marketing agreement with Cricket Australia that will not count towards the salary cap (source:cricinfo)

Sydney Thunder Squad for 25/26

Wes Agar, Tom Andrews, Ravichandran Ashwin , Cameron Bancroft, Sam Billings Ollie Davies, Lockie Ferguson , Matthew Gilkes, Chris Green, Ryan Hadley, Shadab Khan, Sam Konstas, Nathan McAndrew, Blake Nikitaras, Daniel Sams, Tanveer Sangha, David Warner.

Ashwin in IPL

Ashwin recently announced his retirement from the Indian Premier League(IPL) on August 27,2025.Which said he will not be playing for his state grown IPL team Chennai Super Kings.While his career was remarkable from the off spinning troubling world class batsmen to becoming a world class batsmen when needed,Ashwin was the perfect all rounder

Matches played: 221

Wickets taken: 187

Bowling average: 30.22

Economy rate: ~ 7.20 runs per over

Best bowling in an innings: 4/34

On the batting end, Ashwin has played over 220 matches and contributed eben though he was in lower order.He scored a total of 830+ runs .Ashwin’s speciality is high pressure situations as he continuously thrives under pressure.

Also read: Shreyas Iyer Returns as India A Captain for Australia Series; Rajat Patidar to Lead Rest of India in Irani Cup

Performance in T20I

In T20 internationals, Ashwin played 65 matches. Taking 72 wickets, averaging 1.11 per match which is insane for the T20 format.His bowling performance averaged a 23.22 with an economy rate of 6.90 runs per over.Showcasing the pressure he puts on the batsmen.

Matches: 65

Wickets: 72

Bowling average: ~ 23.22

Economy rate: ~ 6.90 runs per over

Strike rate (balls per wicket): ~ 20.1

On the batting end, he scored a total of 184.Averaging 25+ runs every time he played, which is excellent for someone who specializes in bowling.He was not just a player but a match winner whether it was batting or bowling.

Overall T20

Combined Ashwin has remarkably done well in all T20 formats making Thunder go forn him. He will not only be bringing the Indian legacy but also the specific experience which The Sydney Thunders are looking for to clench their next title.

Matches: 333

Wickets: 317

Bowling average: 26.94

Economy rate: 7.11

Writer’s Take

I think for Ashwin BBL will be a walk in the park, as he has played in the most competitive of matches domestically and internationally.But this will be a good scale to see where Ashwin still stands.Is the class permanent or seasonal will be the question to be answered.

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