In one of the greatest coups in the history of the Big Bash League, the Sydney Thunder have landed the signature of legendary Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin.
After retiring from Test cricket during the latest Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, the 39-year-old walked away from the Indian Premier League (IPL) to play in other T20 franchise competitions around the globe.
The signing marks the first instance of an Indian international playing in the beloved Australian short-form league, with many Fox Cricket experts suggesting that others may follow.
"[It is] the first time an Indian player is coming, so that itself is huge," said Ravi Shastri during the Kayo Sports’ Summer of Cricket Launch.
"He’s not any Indian player, someone who’s taken over 600 wickets."
Thunder teammate and Australian icon David Warner spoke glowingly about the impact Ashwin's arrival will have on the rest of the squad.
"I know the attitude that he brings: he wants to help, he wants to educate, and his experience is second to none," said Warner.
"I do now know that we’re probably not going to fix that wicket out at Homebush.
"I think we’ve got four spinners, so it looks exciting."
Ashwin is known as a cerebral operator, whose on-field antics have seen him caught up in several controversial moments, predominantly surrounding his enduring affinity for the Mankad.
"Don’t leave your crease," said Shastri.
"Don’t try and steal a run because he’ll knock those bails off; and rightly so, you have no business being outside your crease.
“His nickname when I was coach was ‘astronaut,’ because he’s in space when he thinks. He’s not on the same wavelength as the others."
Australian great Adam Gilchrist, who himself played a season in the BBL with the Perth Scorchers, gave his thoughts on Ashwin's style..
"He’s one of the great thinkers of the game," said Gilchrist.
"He’s innovative, he’s prepared to push the boundaries within the laws of the game.
"He’ll retire himself out as a batter if he needs to get someone else in there.
"Whatever's allowable within the confines of the rules, he’s prepared to stretch it and usually he’ll have thought about it in great detail before he does it."
Speaking on what it means for the strength of Australia's foremost domestic T20 competition, Gilchrist couldn't have been more optimistic.
"I love the fact that Ashwin himself is so keen to come and be a part of it," he said.
"I hope this is the first of many Indians that are allowed to eventually come and play in our leagues in the way that we enjoy playing in their leagues.
"It’s got to be better for the game."
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Ashwin has committed to playing out the full length of the BBL season which isn't usually possible for international stars who often have commitments to other leagues or series.
He will wear number 99 for the Thunder, with their iconic lime green jersey likely to become a hit amongst Aussie fans looking to show their love for one of the greatest bowlers of this generation.
Historic. pic.twitter.com/LgPJvYeTXx
— Sydney Thunder (@ThunderBBL) September 25, 2025