Ashwin ruled out of BBL 2025-26 with knee injury: Details
What's the story
Indian cricket star Ravichandran Ashwin has been ruled out of the upcoming Big Bash League (BBL) season due to a knee injury. The Sydney Thunder, his team for this season, confirmed that he had undergone surgery after injuring his knee during training in Chennai. Despite his commitment to the entire BBL 2025-26 campaign, Ashwin's recovery timeline means he will not be able to participate in the tournament.
Team's response
Sydney Thunder GM on Ashwin's injury
Trent Copeland, the general manager of Sydney Thunder, expressed his disappointment over Ashwin's injury. He said, "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." Despite this setback, the club is hopeful of keeping Ashwin involved in a non-playing capacity this season.
Player's statement
My focus now is recovery: Ashwin
Ashwin expressed his disappointment at not being able to play in BBL|15. He said, "My focus now is recovery and coming back stronger." The cricketer thanked the Thunder family and fans for their support and said he would be watching every game from Chennai. He also expressed his desire to be around later in the season if possible.
Stats
His stellar T20 career
In a stellar Indian Premier League (IPL) career, Ashwin took 187 wickets from 221 matches at 30.22 (BBM: 4/34). He has the fifth-most wickets in IPL history, behind Yuzvendra Chahal (221), Bhuvneshwar Kumar (198), Sunil Narine (192), and Piyush Chawla (192). Ashwin, who shot to fame at Chennai Super Kings (CSK), boasts 317 T20 wickets at 26.94. The former off-spinner also represented India in 65 T20Is, taking 72 wickets at 23.22.
Team strategy
Sydney Thunder's spin options for BBL|15
Despite Ashwin's absence, Sydney Thunder has a strong squad for the upcoming season. They have four spinners on their roster who were signed before Ashwin became available in August. These include Pakistan's Shadab Khan. Thunder stalwarts Chris Green and Tanveer Sangha along with left-arm spinner Tom Andrews complete the spin options for captain David Warner.