The Sydney Thunder have made the biggest overseas acquisition since the League’s establishment, with spinner R Ashwin set to become the first Indian player to join a BBL club.
Ashwin will join Thunder’s lineup in early January, kicking off the club’s bid to compete in back-to-back BBL Finals. The 39-year-old offers an unrivalled cricket résumé, a desire to win, and a dedication to expanding the game internationally. His presence in Thunder Green will offer leadership and dignity to the pitch, while also uniting the club’s multicultural Western Sydney stronghold.
Ashwin’s off-spin took 765 international wickets for India in 287 matches, including 537 wickets in Tests, to rank ninth all-time in the format. He won the Cricket World Cup (2011) and the Champions Trophy (2013) with India, was named ICC Cricketer and Test Cricketer of the Year in 2016, and was a part of the Men’s Test Team of the Decade from 2011 to 20.
R Ashwin appeared in 221 IPL games for five clubs over 16 seasons, ranking fifth in the tournament’s history.
He has twice won the IPL with the Chennai Super Kings, in 2010 and 2011, and has 187 career wickets in the league, ranking fifth all-time. Ashwin joins the club after retiring from international cricket and the IPL.
“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,” Ashwin said.
Trent Copeland, Sydney Thunder General Manager, said:
“I am so proud that Ashwin has chosen Sydney Thunder. 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 to join the Thunder Nation. We can’t wait for them to become part of our journey.”
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Before Ashwin’s arrival, Thunder kick off their BBL campaign in Hobart with a grand final re-match against the Hurricanes on December 16, before returning home to ENGIE Stadium for a blockbuster Sydney Smash on December 20.
Sydney Thunder Squad (To Date):
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
India
