Ravichandran Ashwin has signed with Sydney Thunder for the Big Bash League 2025–26, a historic move that makes him the first male Indian capped player to commit to a full BBL season.
After ending his IPL career this year, Ashwin is free to take franchise opportunities overseas, bringing vast experience in spin, match tactics, and middle-over control.
The Thunder see him as a tactical match-winner across surfaces where subtle variations and field settings matter.
Let’s discuss the team Ashwin is adding to and how it works for him. Also, catch the list of fixtures the Sydney Thunder have this season.
Which Team is Ashwin Playing for in BBL 2025?
Ashwin will play for Sydney Thunder in BBL 2025–26, signed as a headline overseas recruit. While his salary will not move the club’s salary cap, it is expected to be around the top end of the players’ pay, which is around AUD 400,000.
Thunder and Cricket Australia have discussed extra security and media arrangements to manage fan interest, with plans for private security and a small personal media crew while he trains and plays.
The club expects his arrival to boost memberships and viewership across key markets. He will also appear in promotional events and club outreach.
Why Did Ashwin Join Sydney Thunder? Unsold In ILT20 Auction
Ashwin’s path to Sydney Thunder followed an unexpected twist at the ILT20 auction, where he entered with a top-tier base price of USD 120,000 and initially went unsold. He had said the figure represented a bare minimum and would not lower it.
After that outcome, Thunder moved quickly with a clear, full-season offer that guaranteed a defined role and roster stability. The deal gives Ashwin match continuity, planning assurance, and a platform to work with experienced leaders such as David Warner.
For Thunder, the signing is a statement of intent: the club gains an established spin strategist who can marshal the middle overs and advise younger bowlers during the campaign.
He also explained that he honoured a prior verbal commitment to ILT20 but did not accept lower offers, so the Thunder alignment suited him.
Sydney Thunder Squad for BBL 2025–26
The confirmed Thunder core blends established internationals with rising domestic talent; the club lists these players as confirmed for the 2025–26 campaign.
- David Warner – Captain
- Ravichandran Ashwin
- Wes Agar
- Tom Andrews
- Cameron Bancroft
- Sam Billings
- Ollie Davies
- Lockie Ferguson
- Matt Gilkes
- Chris Green
- Ryan Hadley
- Shadab Khan
- Sam Konstas
- Nathan McAndrew
- Daniel Sams
- Tanveer Sangha
David Warner remains the clear leader and match architect at the top, using experience to steer chases and set the tempo.
Lockie Ferguson supplies genuine pace and wicket threat with the new ball, while Daniel Sams gives seam depth and down-the-order hitting. Sam Billings is the overseas middle-order glue and a reliable finisher.
While Shadab Khan adds leg-spin variety to complement Ashwin’s off-spin craft, Chris Green’s all-round skill set, especially his slower balls and boundary hitting, brings balance.
Young domestic batters like Ollie Davies and Cameron Bancroft will be important for platform building. Together, the group mixes raw pace, spin sophistication, and batting depth to suit varying Australian surfaces and finals pressure.
Ashwin is expected to marshal middle overs, vary pace, and act as a mentor for young spinners while offering late-inning batting options; his tactical nous could influence close finishes.
Sydney Thunder BBL 2025–26 Schedule
Times in the table are AEST. Several venues switch to daylight saving time during summer; confirm local kickoff times. Below is Sydney Thunder’s selected fixture list for BBL 2025–26. Please confirm.
| Match | Date | Teams | Venue | Time (AEST) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | Dec 16 | Hobart Hurricanes vs Sydney Thunder | Bellerive Oval, Hobart | 7:15 PM |
| 7 | Dec 20 | Sydney Thunder vs Sydney Sixers | Sydney Showground Stadium | 7:15 PM |
| 9 | Dec 22 | Sydney Thunder vs Brisbane Heat | Manuka Oval, Canberra | 7:15 PM |
| 14 | Dec 28 | Sydney Thunder vs Melbourne Stars | Manuka Oval, Canberra | 7:15 PM |
| 16 | Dec 30 | Sydney Thunder vs Perth Scorchers | Sydney Showground Stadium | 7:15 PM |
| 21 | Jan 3 | Sydney Thunder vs Hobart Hurricanes | Sydney Showground Stadium | 7:15 PM |
| 25 | Jan 6 | Adelaide Strikers vs Sydney Thunder | Adelaide Oval | 6:45 PM |
| 29 | Jan 10 | Brisbane Heat vs Sydney Thunder | Gabba, Brisbane | 3:00 PM |
| 33 | Jan 12 | Sydney Thunder vs Melbourne Renegades | Sydney Showground Stadium | 7:15 PM |
| 37 | Jan 16 | Sydney Sixers vs Sydney Thunder | Sydney Cricket Ground | 7:15 PM |
Matches span established Australian venues from Hobart to the Gabba, with most home fixtures staged at Sydney Showground Stadium and occasional games at the SCG and Manuka Oval.
Evening kickoffs around 7:15 pm suit prime-time broadcasters, while a daytime 3:00 pm match at the Gabba will test players in stronger heat.
Spectators should note that local daylight saving rules can change clock times between states, and travel between Hobart, Canberra, Adelaide, and Brisbane affects squad rotation.
Related Read:
Conclusion: R Ashwin Has Joined The Sydney Thunder For The BBL 2025 In A Historic Move
Ravichandran Ashwin’s joining the Sydney Thunder marks a landmark for domestic franchise cricket, signaling new avenues for Indian players after the IPL.
The signing merges tactical spin acumen with an already versatile Thunder roster, shifting match planning and squad depth. For Thunder, Ashwin is a late-order weapon, middle-over governor, and on-field coach for younger bowlers.
On the commercial side, Indian fan interest and broadcast draw will reshape selected fixtures into must-watch events.
How quickly Ashwin adapts to Australian surfaces and how the Thunder deploy his skill set will determine whether this gamble yields finals success. Expect tight contests and tactical chess matches ahead.
FAQs
This will be Ashwin’s first Big Bash League campaign. He becomes the first capped Indian male player to take a full BBL contract, a milestone for cross-league participation. and media impact.
This season, Ashwin stands out as the only Indian male international on BBL rosters; Indian women have previously featured in the WBBL, while male representation remains unique this year.
Thunder combine experienced internationals, explosive openers, and quality pace and spin options. Recent recruitment and Warner’s leadership point to final intent; execution under pressure will determine ultimate success. This season.
The upcoming season of WBBL will start on Sunday, November 9. The final is scheduled to be played on Saturday, December 13.
Thunder already fields several internationals, including Sam Billings, Lockie Ferguson, and Shadab Khan; additional overseas signings are possible before final registration, and the club will confirm any further arrivals.
