Ravichandran Ashwin will become the first male Indian cricketer to play in the Big Bash League after the Sydney Thunder announced that they had snapped up the spinner. The franchise called Ashwin its “biggest overseas signing since the League’s inception” in a statement. The Thunders had missed out on the title last season after losing in the final to Hobart Hurricanes.
“Thunder were crystal clear about how they’d use me and brave enough to back it,” Ashwin said in a statement. “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.”
“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,” said Trent Copeland, Sydney Thunder General Manager. “I am so proud that Ashwin has chosen Sydney Thunder. 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.”
While Unmukt Chand has also played in the BBL, Chand has changed nationalities.
Ashwin’s career highlights
Ashwin played 287 matches for India across all formats, where his off-spin claimed 765 international wickets, including 537 wickets at Test level. He is the eighth highest wicket-taker in the longest format of the game. Ashwin has also win a Cricket World Cup in 2011 and the Champions Trophy in 2013 besides being named the ICC’s Cricketer and Test Cricketer of the Year in 2016. he was also a member of the 2011-20 Men’s Test Team of the Decade.
In his Indian Premier League career over 16 IPL seasons, Ashwin made 221 appearances for five franchises, making him the tournament’s seventh most-capped player. He is twice an IPL champion with Chennai Super Kings in 2010 and 2011 and has 187 career wickets in the tournament to sit fifth all-time.
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Sydney Thunder BBL 15 Squad
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.
The postBig Bash League: Ravichandran Ashwin joins Sydney Thunder to make history as 1st male Indian cricketer in BBL | Cricket News appeared first on Indian Express
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