Ravichandran Ashwin has been ruled out of BBL15 because of a knee injury he suffered while training in Chennai. He already had surgery and will miss the full season.
Ashwin was supposed to play for the Sydney Thunder, making him the first Indian men’s cricketer with international caps to play in the Big Bash League. The Thunder said they were “devastated” but hope to keep him involved off the field during the season.
Ashwin said he was “gutted” about missing the tournament but promised to support the team from India while focusing on his recovery. He also mentioned he might join the team later in the season if doctors allow. Ashwin had retired from international cricket after the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in 2024 and from the IPL in 2025. The Thunder plan to continue working with him beyond this season.
Sydney Thunder to Rely on David Warner’s Leadership After Ravichandra Ashwin Ashwin’s Injury Blow
With Ravichandran Ashwin ruled out of BBL|15 due to a knee injury, the Sydney Thunders lose an experienced spinner and an all-round option who could have added variety to their attack. His absence weakens their spin department, but the team still has strong options.
The Sydney Thunder’s spin department will now heavily rely on Shadab Khan (Pakistan), Chris Green, Tanveer Sangha, and Tom Andrews. All four are proven T20 bowlers, and Green and Shadab can also contribute handy runs down the order.
In batting, Thunder remains strong, with players like David Warner, Cameron Bancroft, Ollie Davies, Sam Billings (England), and Matthew Gilkes forming the top and middle order. Daniel Sams and Nathan McAndrew provide power-hitting options in the lower order. David Warner is going to lead the Sydney Thunder in their 1st match against the Hobart Hurricanes on 16 December, 2025.
When will Big Bash League 15 start?
The 2025–26 Big Bash League season, also known as BBL|15, is the twenty-first season of men’s professional Twenty20 domestic cricket in Australia and the fifteenth under the Big Bash League model. The tournament will take place from 14 December 2025 to 25 January 2026.
Among the eight participating teams, the Melbourne Stars remain the only side yet to win a title. With five titles, including two consecutive back-to-back championship runs, the Perth Scorchers are the most successful team in league history. The Sydney Sixers, who have won twice in a row, come next with three titles. The Brisbane Heat have won two titles, while the Sydney Thunder, Adelaide Strikers, Melbourne Renegades, and Hobart Hurricanes have each won one title.
FAQs
Q. What made Ravichandran Ashwin choose to give up playing Test cricket?
A. For personal reasons, Ashwin gave up playing Test cricket. He desired to be with his family and kids more often. He also said his creative phase in cricket was ending, and he wanted to explore new things.
Q. What was the reason behind R Ashwin’s IPL retirement?
A. In order to play in other international T20 leagues such as the BBL, SA20, and The Hundred, Ashwin decided to retire from the IPL.
Q. In the IPL 2025, who purchased R Ashwin?
A. Before declaring his retirement, Ashwin was purchased by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the IPL 2025 mega auction.
Q. What is the IPL record of R Ashwin?
A. Ashwin participated in 221 IPL games and scored 833 runs. He also has a half-century and claimed 187 wickets at an economy rate of 7.20.
Q. What is Ravichandran Ashwin’s pension?
A. Following his international retirement, Ashwin will get a monthly pension of ₹60,000 from the BCCI.
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