Ravichandran Ashwin creates history; becomes first Indian cricketer to…

Former Team India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin on Thursday, September 25, created history after signing with Sydney Thunder for the next edition of the Big Bash League (BBL). Ashwin becomes the first Indian cricketer with international experience to play in the T20 franchise league in Australia.

Ashwin became eligible to participate in overseas franchise tournaments only after stepping away from Indian cricket. He ended his career in international cricket on December 18 during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The spinner announced his retirement from the Indian Premier League (IPL) last month.

Ravichandran Ashwin to Join Sydney Thunder for Second Half of BBL

Ravichandran Ashwin has registered for next week’s ILT20 auction with the highest base price. He will participate in the full tournament, scheduled from December 2 to January 4, which means he will miss the opening three weeks of the Big Bash League.

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Ashwin will join Sydney Thunder for the second half of the BBL season in January. He will play in the tournament from January 20 to 25 and will also take part in the finals if the team qualifies.

The Tamil Nadu spinner will join teammates including Warner, Lockie Ferguson, Sam Billings, and Shadab Khan. He will strengthen the spin bowling department in the latter half of the Big Bash League season.

Sydney Thunder Squad: Wes Agar, Tom Andrews, Ravichandran Ashwin (IND), Cameron Bancroft, Sam Billings (ENG) Ollie Davies, Lockie Ferguson (NZ), Matthew Gilkes, Chris Green, Ryan Hadley, Shadab Khan (PAK), Sam Konstas, Nathan McAndrew, Blake Nikitaras, Daniel Sams, Tanveer Sangha, David Warner.

We’re Fully Aligned On My Role - Ravichandran Ashwin

Ravichandran Ashwin expressed his enthusiasm about joining the Sydney Thunder. He also stated that conversations with the leadership were excellent and added that he shares a similar mindset with skipper David Warner.

“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 said.

“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,” he added.

Ashwin ended his international career with 537 Test wickets. He is the seventh-highest wicket-taker in all-time Test history. The spinner picked up 765 wickets across 287 matches for India across three formats.

The Biggest Signing in BBL History - Trent Copeland on Ravichandran Ashwin’s Signing

Thunder general manager Trent Copeland described Ashwin’s signing as arguably the biggest in BBL history. Copeland also stated that Ashwin expressed his intention to make a positive impact on Tanveer Sangha and Chris Green.

"I think it's arguably the biggest signing in BBL history – first Indian legend and an icon of the game," Copeland said.

"He's a very competitive guy but one of the most impressive things has been before I even mentioned a thing about our club, he said, 'I loved what Sam Billings did for you guys last year as the overseas player. And if I was to play there, I would really want to make sure I leave a positive impact on Tanveer Sangha and Chris Green'."

Ashwin represented five franchises - Chennai Super Kings, Rising Pune Supergiants, Delhi Capitals, Punjab Kings, and Rajasthan Royals - in the IPL. The bowler won two IPL titles with CSK in 2010 and 2011 and has taken 187 wickets in the tournament.

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