R Ashwin has signed up for the full BBL season to play for Sydney Thunder. Ravichandran Ashwin has been ruled out of the Australian Big Bash League (BBL) due to knee surgery, Sydney Thunder announced on Tuesday. The franchise is working with Ashwin to revise his activity plan during the season based on his recovery progress, while maintaining hope that he can still be involved in the team in some capacity later in the tournament.Sydney Thunder general manager Trent Copeland expressed the club’s disappointment over Ashwin’s injury, while stressing their continued focus on building a competitive squad.
IPL deal: Sanju Samson to Delhi Capitals almost confirmed; latest from KL Rahul-KKR interviews
“Everyone at Sydney Thunder was devastated to learn of Ash’s knee injury which ruled him out of BBL 15 and we wish him a speedy recovery,” Trent Copeland said.Copeland further elaborated on the team’s relationship with Ashwin: “From the moment we first spoke to Ash, his commitment to the Thunder was clear. We look forward to welcoming him to our dugout for part of the BBL, introducing him to our fans at events and building a long-term relationship.”Ashwin responded to the situation with a statement of his own expressing his disappointment and future plans: “I’m gutted to miss the BBL. My focus now is to recover and come back stronger. I’m grateful to the Thunder family and fans for the warmth they’ve already shown me. Trent and the entire board made me feel like a part of the club from our very first conversation.”The Indian spinner added: “If rehabilitation and travel schedules allow, I’d love to be in the group later in the season and meet the fans. I wish both Thunder teams a great year.”Despite this setback, Sydney Thunder remain optimistic about the upcoming season. Copeland said: “While disappointing for the club, we have fielded two championship-contending teams and expect to continue the progress of recent seasons in the WBBL and BBL. We can’t wait to get back in front of our fans in Western Sydney for two massive campaigns.”The Thunder’s BBL campaign is set to begin with a grand final against the Hurricanes in Hobart on December 16, followed by the Sydney Smash on December 20.
