Ravichandran Ashwin is set to embark on a new chapter in his career, becoming the first prominent Indian player to feature in the Big Bash League. This participation is anticipated to draw significant attention from the subcontinent to the tournament. In Australia, former India head coach Ravi Shastri issued a straightforward warning to BBL batters, urging caution as they prepare to face Ashwin, a spinner boasting over 500 Test wickets.
Shastri highlighted Ashwin`s immense stature, stating: “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 I have spoken to him, he`s playing the whole Big Bash this time.”
Ashwin`s availability for the entirety of the BBL 2025-26 season was not initially planned. However, the absence of bids for him in the ILT20 auction has serendipitously cleared his schedule, confirming his participation for the full BBL campaign.
A representative from the BBL expressed considerable excitement about Ashwin`s inclusion, noting:
“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.”
Before concluding his remarks, Shastri delivered a light-hearted yet firm caution regarding Ashwin`s well-known tendency to run out non-striker batters who stray prematurely from their crease. The former India coach advised batters against taking an early start, implying that Ashwin would not hesitate to execute such a dismissal.
Shastri`s unambiguous counsel to BBL batters was direct: “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.”
The upcoming Big Bash League season is slated to commence on December 14, 2025.
