Ravi Shastri sends warning signal to batters ahead of Ravichandran Ashwin’s debut Big Bash League (BBL) season
Indiathe legendary spinner Ravichandran Ashwin is ready to make waves as he prepares for his premiere Big Bash League (BBL) season with Sydney Thunder, led by David Warner. Initially, Ashwin had planned to play only a few matches due to his ILT20 commitments, but after being unsold at Dubai auctionhe agreed to play the entire 2025/26 season, making history as the league’s first Indian cricketer.
Ravichandran Ashwin’s Big Bash League debut
The two-time IPL winner brings unrivaled experience, having taken nearly 600 Test wickets and mastering all formats of the game. Former India coach Ravi Shastri, at the Kayo Sports event, welcomed Ashwin’s commitment, saying: “I think it’s the first time an Indian player has come, so that in itself is huge. And he’s not just any Indian player; he’s someone who has taken almost 600 wickets (in Tests). He’s someone who loves to play and wants to… I’ve spoken to him and he’s playing the whole Big Bash this time.” His arrival promises to inject quality, enthusiasm and high-level strategy into Australia’s premier T20 competition.
Sydney Thunder will rely on Ashwin’s experience to kick off their season, and he is expected to return to Adelaide on January 6, giving him plenty of time to acclimatize and make a major impact. His debut is not just a personal milestone; it is a historic milestone for the influence of Indian cricket in the global T20 leagues.
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Ravi Shastri sends stern warning to Batters ahead of Ashwin’s maiden BBL season
Ravi Shastri didn’t shy away from discussing what opponents can expect from Ashwin in the BBL. Known for his intelligence and accuracy in cricket, Ashwin has already earned a reputation as a master strategist in the non-striker’s side. Shastri warned, “Don’t leave your territory. He’ll get you out. That’s the first message. Don’t try to steal a ride, because he’ll take those deposits away, and rightly so.”
This warning is far from meaningless. Ashwin dismissed Jos Buttler in an IPL 2019 match while Buttler left the crease early, sparking debates on the ‘spirit of cricket’ while remaining fully within the laws of the game. His tactical awareness, combined with his spin wizardry, makes him a formidable presence in the BBL, forcing every batter to think twice before taking risks.
Ashwin’s BBL journey follows his retirement from the IPL in August 2025, which freed him from BCCI contracts and allowed him to explore opportunities overseas. While Unmukt Chand Previously representing India in the BBL, Ashwin is the first Test legend to grace the league, bringing high-level credibility and expertise to the Australian T20 scene.
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