R Ashwin has been ruled out of the Sydney Thunder's BBL 2025-26 season due to an injury.
In September, Ashwin was signed by Sydney Thunder for BBL 15, a day after he went unsold in the ILT20 auction despite listing himself at the highest base price.
With the BBL 2025–26 season starting on December 14, Ashwin was set to become the first India-capped player to represent a side in the competition. However, an untimely knee injury has ruled him out of the entire season.
"Everyone at Sydney Thunder was devastated to learn of Ash’s knee injury that has ruled him out of BBL|15, and we wish him well in his recovery," an official Sydney Thunder statement quoted general manager Trent Copeland.
"From the moment we first spoke with Ash, his commitment to Thunder was clear. We are hopeful of welcoming him into our dugout for part of BBL|15, introducing him to our fans at events and building a long-term relationship."
Ashwin: Gutted to miss BBL 15
The injury also effectively rules Ashwin out of India's campaign in the Hong Kong Super Sixes from November 7. This tournament would have been his first since retiring from the IPL. Ashwin has expressed his disappointment at missing his maiden BBL stint.
"I’m gutted to miss BBL|15. My focus now is recovery and coming back stronger," Ashwin said. "I’m grateful to the Thunder family and the fans for the warmth they’ve already shown me. Trent and the entire management made me feel part of the club from our very first conversation.
"If rehab and travel plans allow, I’d love to be around the group later in the season and meet the fans. Wishing both Thunder teams a big year."
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Ashwin retired from international cricket last December, with the Adelaide Test being his final match. The series also saw Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli call time on their careers. Ashwin finished as India’s second-highest wicket-taker across all formats and the eighth-highest in Test cricket history. His 11 Player of the Series awards are the joint-most by any player in Test cricket, alongside Muttiah Muralitharan.
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