The upcoming Big Bash League (BBL) 2025–26 is set to witness history as Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin becomes the first-ever Indian male cricketer to play in Australia’s premier T20 league. The veteran spinner will represent the Sydney Thunder for the entire season, marking a new chapter in his illustrious career.
However, amid all the excitement, former India head coach Ravi Shastri has issued a strong warning to BBL batters — urging them not to step out of their crease at the non-striker’s end when Ashwin is bowling.
R Ashwin Creates History—First Indian Male Cricketer in BBL
Ashwin’s BBL journey is groundbreaking. Initially, he was supposed to play only three matches in the second half of the season due to his commitment to the ILT20. But after going unsold at the ILT20 auction in Dubai, the 38-year-old decided to dedicate himself fully to the Big Bash.
The move came after Ashwin announced his retirement from the Indian Premier League (IPL) in August 2025, which meant he was no longer a BCCI-contracted player. The BCCI doesn’t allow active Indian players to participate in foreign leagues, so this decision paved the way for his entry into the BBL.
The Sydney Thunder will kick off their campaign on December 16 against the Hobart Hurricanes — a match that will now have added anticipation with Ashwin’s presence.
Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg expressed excitement over the move:
“It’s a big moment for the BBL to welcome Ravi here. I’ve spoken to him personally, and he’s been a breath of fresh air. Fans are going to love watching him play and interact this season.”
Ravi Shastri’s Warning: “Don’t Leave Your Crease”
Speaking to Australian media, Ravi Shastri lauded Ashwin’s arrival but didn’t shy away from sending a tongue-in-cheek warning to opposition batters:
“Don’t leave your crease. He’ll run you out. Don’t try and steal a run because he’ll take those bails off, and rightly so. You have no business outside your crease.”
Shastri’s remarks weren’t just casual — they were a reminder of Ashwin’s past controversies involving “Mankading” or running out a non-striker who leaves the crease early.
Throwback: The 2019 IPL “Mankad” Controversy
Cricket fans vividly remember the 2019 IPL match between Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) and Rajasthan Royals, where Ashwin dismissed Jos Buttler at the non-striker’s end for backing up too far before the ball was released.
The incident divided the cricketing world — some called it against the “spirit of cricket,” while others argued it was perfectly within the laws of the game.
Ashwin, never one to back down, defended his action, saying he was “playing within the rules.” Ravi Shastri also backed him at the time, famously saying:
“Forget the spirit of cricket. I believe in the rules. If you’re out of your crease, you deserve to be run out.”
Now, years later, Shastri’s fresh warning in the BBL context reignites that old fire — a reminder that Ashwin plays hard, smart, and strictly by the laws of the game.
What Ashwin Brings to the Big Bash
Ashwin’s inclusion isn’t just about headlines — it’s a massive boost for the Big Bash League, which has been striving to enhance its global appeal.
1. World-Class Spin Expertise
Ashwin brings over 700 international wickets across formats. His variations — carrom ball, slider, and arm ball — will test even the best T20 hitters in Australia’s pace-dominated conditions.
2. Experience and Game IQ
Few cricketers read the game as deeply as Ashwin. His tactical mind and analytical approach will be invaluable for Sydney Thunder’s younger players.
3. Global Fan Attention
For BBL, this is more than just a signing — it’s a chance to attract millions of Indian fans. With Ashwin’s involvement, BBL is poised for a surge in viewership and social media engagement.
Sydney Thunder’s Vision and Strategy
Sydney Thunder’s management believes that Ashwin’s presence will provide both stability and variety in their bowling attack.
His ability to adapt — whether in powerplay overs or middle stages — will allow the Thunder to build flexible game plans.
Moreover, his full-season availability ensures that the franchise can develop a consistent bowling core around him — something BBL teams often lack due to international commitments.
For BBL Batters: A New Challenge Awaits
Ashwin’s entry also introduces a new kind of mental game for opposition batters. Beyond facing his spin wizardry, they’ll need to stay alert at the non-striker’s end — no early runs, no casual wandering.
With Shastri’s public reminder, the pressure will be on batters to avoid becoming the next “Mankad” headline of 2025.
Expect every match involving Sydney Thunder to have one extra camera focused on the non-striker’s crease — just in case history repeats itself.
Conclusion
Ravichandran Ashwin’s move to the Big Bash League marks a historic crossover for Indian cricket. His presence adds depth, drama, and a dash of unpredictability to BBL 2025–26.
But as Ravi Shastri humorously — yet firmly — reminded everyone:
“Don’t leave your crease. He’ll run you out.”
It’s a clear message — respect the laws, play smart, and don’t test Ashwin’s alertness. Because when it comes to cricketing awareness, R. Ashwin sees everything.