In a disappointing turn of events, veteran Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin has been ruled out of the Big Bash League (BBL) 2025–26 season due to injury. Ashwin, who was all set to make his debut in Australia’s top T20 league with Sydney Thunder, has been forced to withdraw even before playing his first match.

Knee Injury Halts Ashwin’s Big Bash Dream
The former Indian off-spinner suffered a knee injury while training in Chennai, which has sidelined him for the entire season. The setback is particularly painful because Ashwin was on the verge of becoming the first Indian men’s cricketer to participate in the BBL — a milestone that will now have to wait.

Ashwin had been signed by the Sydney Thunder for the upcoming season, and expectations were high around his debut. However, the injury has dashed those hopes for now.

Ashwin’s Message to Sydney Thunder
Breaking the news on Instagram, Ashwin shared that he sustained the injury during training sessions in Chennai. In his message to the Thunder management, he expressed his disappointment at missing the tournament but said he was determined to return stronger.

He wrote that he was “really looking forward to being part of the Big Bash,” but the injury has made it impossible to participate this season.

Supporting the Team from Home
Ashwin confirmed that he will begin rehabilitation immediately and focus on recovery. Though he won’t be on the field, he said he will “watch every match and cheer for the Sydney Thunder men’s and women’s teams from home.”

Hope for a Late Return
The off-spinner also hinted at a possible late appearance in the league, saying that if his rehab goes well and doctors clear him to travel, he would try to join the team in the final leg of the tournament — though he stopped short of making any promises.

Ashwin’s absence is a major setback for both him and Sydney Thunder, as fans were eagerly waiting to see one of India’s finest spinners in action in Australian conditions.