Indian superstar Ravichandran Ashwin has been ruled out of this summer’s Big Bash League due to a knee injury, the Sydney Thunder have confirmed.
In September, the 39-year-old was signed by the Thunder in one of the most significant acquisitions in Big Bash history, becoming the first high-profile Indian player to feature in the Australian T20 tournament.
But on Tuesday afternoon, the Thunder revealed that Ashwin had undergone surgery after damaging his knee while training in CHennai, ruling him out of the entire tournament.
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“I’m gutted to miss BBL|15,” Ashwin said in a statement.
“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.
“If rehab and travel plans allow, I’d love to be around the group later in the season and meet the fans. Wishing both Thunder teams a big year.”
Ashwin also penned an open letter to the Thunder fanbase, vowing to watch every game and cheer on the club’s men’s and women’s sides this summer from afar.
“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,” Thunder General Manager Trent Copeland said in a statement.
“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.
“While disappointing for the club, we have built two championship-contending squads and expect to continue the progress of recent seasons in WBBL|11 and BBL|15. We can’t wait to get back in front of our fans in Western Sydney for two massive campaigns.”