The former Indian international spinner is set to make a comeback.With recently retiring from IPL, he now is looking at the global T20 leagues. This is huge news for both Indian and Australian fans.
Ravichandran Ashwin, is a name no Indian fan can forget.He retired from all forms of cricket recently hanging his boots at the IPL. He is looking to come back to the Big Bash League(BBL) for Sydney Thunder.The off spinner looks like a perfect match of experience and skill needed for the league.
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 even 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.
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
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Why Australia
Australia holds a special place for Ashwin as his last international match was on Australian soil. For him this would be metaphorically starting where he left off from. If all goes to plan, Ashwin will be the first Indian to ever participate in the Big Bash League
Thunder, who last won their BBL championship in 2015/2016 are looking towards Ashwin for the expertise to finish the season in style. Sydney Thunder also brings marketing to the BBL as when Ashwin joins he will enrich the competition;s quality and appeal.
Benefits
Previously finishing as runners up, they have brought in names like David Warner,Shadab Khan and many more. Ashwin joining in will not only add to the bowling depth but also be a global impact boost for the Thunder and BBL
With four franchises initially showing interest due to his signing, it is shown that he is quoted as a world-class spinner. Not only does he bring his bowling expertise but with a bat in hand he is equally dangerous which we have seen in IPL for CSK.
Contract
He is supposedly joining the BBL for a two year contract which is approximately worth 1 million(AUD) or 5.9 crore INR.The base salary would be around 2.9 crore(AUD 500000) for the 25/26 season whereas the rest is kept for the next.
Given the BBL Salary cap of 3.5crore per team.Ashwin;s compensation may be supplemented through marketing agreements with Cricket Australia.
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.
Written by: Hubaish
