India's great spinner Ravichandran Ashwin will be all set to debut in Australia's Big Bash League (BBL) for David Warner's Sydney Thunder. The two-time IPL winner will participate in the entire season following the failure to get picked up in the ILT20 auction, which is a significant development in his T20 career. Ravi Shastri Warns BBL Batters About Ashwin's Presence Before Ashwin's highly anticipated debut, former India coach Ravi Shastri gave all BBL batters, particularly the ones at the non-striker's end, a tongue-in-cheek yet stern warning. Shastri cautioned players not to get out of the crease prematurely and warned that Ashwin will not think twice to get them out in his own style. Shastri said: “Think 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 wants to...I have spoken to him and he's playing the whole Big Bash this time.” Watch the video here: Ravi Shastri’s warning to BBL batters with R Ashwin coming this summer 😅 pic.twitter.com/lYLsYE4DSj — ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) October 14, 2025 Ashwin's entry is likely to increase the league's popularity and viewership, given his status as one of the greatest spinners of contemporary cricket. Also Read | "Kept coming again and again," Ashwin praised Md Siraj for his tireless efforts at Kotla against WI Historic Move for Indian Cricket in BBL Though India Under-19 World Cup 2012-winning captain Unmukt Chand has played in the BBL before, Ashwin's appearance is a milestone as he is the first Indian Test great to play in Australia's premier T20 tournament. His recruitment by Sydney Thunder came after open communication between Ashwin and the management regarding his season-long commitment. Ashwin's first game is lined up against Hobart Hurricanes, captained by Nathan Ellis, on December 16 at Bellerive Oval, Hobart. Fans can't wait to know how the off-spinner fares in Australian conditions and if his unconventional bowling changes can disturb top T20 batters. Ashwin's Return to Australia Curiously, Ashwin's previous T20I outing on Australian soil was in the 2022 T20 World Cup. Even though he could not influence the game much in the semifinal against England, who went on to win the tournament, his experience and mind for strategies could now be a huge influence in the BBL. Ashwin will also feature at Adelaide on January 6, returning to a ground where he last played for India in a T20 international. He not only adds depth to Sydney Thunder's bowling lineup but may also initiate other Indian players to venture into overseas T20 leagues in the future.