Legendary India spinner R Ashwin will become the first capped Indian cricketer to play in the Big Bash League, having agreed to play the entire 2025/26 season for the Sydney Thunder. Ashwin retired from international cricket during BGT 2024-25.

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri told the Australian media that Ashwin's involvement will offer significant value to the Big Bash, praising his enthusiasm for the game and dedication to playing the entire season.

“I think this is the first time an Indian player is coming, so that itself is huge. And he is not just any Indian player; he is someone who has taken close to 600 wickets (in tests). He is someone who loves playing and wants to... I have spoken to him, and he's playing the whole Big Bash this time,” Shastri told Australian media.

R Ashwin also called time on his IPL career after a below-average outing for Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2025. Sydney Thunder will get their campaign underway on December 16 against the Hurricanes in Hobart.

Shastri was also questioned by the media about what the league should anticipate from Ashwin, and the former India all-rounder did not hesitate to urge all hitters to stay inside the crease and not "steal a run" at the non-striker end.

“Don't leave your crease. He'll run you out. That's the first message. Don't try and steal a run, because he'll take those bails off, and rightly so. You have no business outside your crease,” he said.

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Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg, who was the first to call up Ashwin for a potential BBL arrival, spoke earlier this month about the significance of the move.

He said, "It's a big moment for the BBL to welcome Ravi here; I have been talking to him personally on a number of occasions." I have found him a breath of fresh air; I think our fans are going to really enjoy watching him play and engaging with him when he's here for the BBL.”