Indian star bowler and recent Sydney Thunder signing Ravichandran Ashwin has been ruled out of the upcoming Big Bash Season due to an injury.
Ashwin released a statement on social media explaining that he picked up a knee injury while training for the upcoming season in Chennai.
"While training in Chennai to prepare for the upcoming season, I hurt my knee. I've had a procedure, and the outcome means I will miss BBL|15. That is tough to sya, I was genuinely excited to be part of this group and play in front of you," Ashwin said on Instagram.
Ashwin, who has 537 test wickets, 156 ODI wickets and 72 T20I wickets for India, added that he hopes he will be at Thunder games to support the team.
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"I will be watching every game and cheering for both our women's and men's teams."
If rehab and travel line up and if the doctors are happy, I would love to be around later in the season and say hello in person. No promises. That is the intent.
Sydney Thunder's general manager, Trent Copeland, said the team was 'devastated' to learn that he will miss the season.
“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," Copeland said in a statement released by the Thunder.
“From the moment we first spoke with Ash, his commitment to Thunder was clear. We are hopeful of welcoming him into our dugout for part of BBL|15, introducing him to our fans at events and building a long-term relationship."