Ravichandran Ashwin ruled out of BBL after suffering a serious knee injury in Chennai recently. The Indian spinner needed surgery which ended his Big Bash League debut dreams immediately. R Ashwin out of BBL means Sydney Thunder loses their biggest overseas signing before the season starts.
Ashwin’s BBL Dream Crushed by Injury
Ashwin was supposed to become the first Indian player ever drafted into BBL history. He pulled out of the ILT20 auction, planning a full BBL season with Sydney Thunder instead. But a knee injury struck him during training in Chennai ruining everything planned for the Australia tour.
R Ashwin out of BBL came as a massive blow after he retired from international cricket. This was his first overseas league participation after hanging up his India jersey permanently. The 38-year-old spinner wanted to experience different leagues before calling time on his playing career completely.
Sydney Thunder had big plans for Ashwin leading their spin attack throughout the BBL season. The knee injury required immediate surgery leaving no time for recovery before the tournament begins next month.
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Ashwin’s Statement on Missing BBL
Ashwin thanked the Sydney Thunder organisation and fans for their support during this tough time. He feels gutted about missing his BBL debut because of the knee injury requiring surgery immediately. The spinner stays focused on recovery, hoping to return to cricket soon somewhere playing again.
“I’m gutted to miss BBL. My focus now is recovery and coming back stronger. I’m grateful to the Thunder family and the fans for the warmth they’ve already shown me. Trent and the entire management made me feel part of the club from our very first conversation,” Ashwin said.
Sydney Thunder begins their campaign against the Hurricanes on December 16, without Ashwin unfortunately. The Sydney Smash against the Sixers happens on December 20 which Ashwin wanted to play in badly. His knee injury timeline remains unclear about when he returns to competitive cricket action next.
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Sydney Thunder’s Reaction to Ashwin’s Absence
General Manager Trent Copeland expressed disappointment after Ravichandran Ashwin ruled out of BBL with surgery needed. Sydney Thunder hoped Ashwin might join later in the tournament if his knee injury heals faster. Copeland praised Ashwin’s commitment to the team despite the unfortunate knee injury situation occurring badly.
“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,” Trent Copeland said.
“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, introducing him to our fans at events and building a long-term relationship,” he added.
R Ashwin out of BBL forcing the Sydney Thunder to look for a replacement spinner before the season starts in December. The franchise remains optimistic about their squad depth covering for Ashwin’s absence throughout the matches played.
