Experienced India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin did not find any takers at the ILT20 Season 4 auction. Having announced his retirement from the Indian Premier League in August, Ashwin had offered his name for overseas leagues, placing himself in the highest bracket with a base price of USD 120,000 (approximately INR 1.06 crore). But none of the six franchises bid on his name when he was up for bidding, and he went unsold.
Ashwin takes his leave of the IPL as one of its all-time greats. Across 221 games for five franchises, he took 187 wickets the fifth-highest count in tournament history and was a member of Chennai Super Kings’ championship teams in 2010 and 2011. His overall T20 record is as strong, with 317 wickets from 333 games. In his last IPL auction outing, he was snapped up by CSK for INR 9.75 crore.
Even though he was left out of the ILT20, Ashwin has already received a contract with the Big Bash League. He will play for Sydney Thunder in BBL Season 15, being the first Indian men’s international player to sign up for a club in the tournament. The 38-year-old is expected to join Thunder’s team in January in a bid to lead the team back to success after last season’s final loss against Hobart Hurricanes.
Sharing his experience of the new challenge, Ashwin stated that he is looking forward to his stay in Australia, complimenting Thunder’s management for their excellent communication and leadership, and is confident about contributing significantly towards their search for success.
“Thunder was crystal clear about how they would use me and brave enough to back it. My conversations with the leadership were excellent, and we are fully aligned on my role. I love how David Warner (the Sydney Thunder captain) plays the game, and it is always better when your leader shares your mindset. I cannot wait to perform for the Thunder Nation,” said Ravichandran Ashwin
