“I’m Still Walking on Crutches”: R Ashwin’s Heartbreaking BBL Exit After Knee Surgery

In a devastating blow to his post-international cricket career, Ravichandran Ashwin has been ruled out of the Big Bash League 2025-26 season following knee surgery performed in Chennai—an injury that has left the 39-year-old “still walking on crutches” and facing a 3-4 month recovery period. The development ends Ashwin’s historic bid to become the first Indian male capped cricketer to play in the BBL, with the off-spinner revealing that the injury occurred during training as he prepared for what was meant to be his maiden stint with Sydney Thunder.​

The Injury and Surgery

Ashwin sustained the knee injury while training in Chennai in preparation for the BBL season, which begins December 14. He underwent a surgical procedure that has ruled him out of the entire tournament.​

In a subsequent update on his YouTube channel on November 6, Ashwin provided sobering details about his recovery: "What happened was unexpected; I mean, it was actually very painful. The surgical procedure has also been completed. I wanted to keep it under wraps, as obviously, the last 10 days have been very painful. It is still painful, and I am still walking on crutches. It will take time, maybe in three or four months I will be back playing again."​

The Heartfelt Letter to Thunder Fans

On November 4, Ashwin shared an emotional Instagram letter addressing Sydney Thunder supporters:

"Dear Thunder Nation,

I wanted to write this myself.

While training in Chennai to prepare for the upcoming season, I hurt my knee. I’ve had a procedure, and the outcome means I will miss BBL 15. That is tough to say. I was genuinely excited to be part of this group and play in front of you.

For now it is rehab, recovery, and doing the work to come back stronger. From my first chat with the club, I have felt only warmth from Trent, the staff, the players, and so many of you who have already reached out. Thank you for making me feel at home before a ball has been bowled.

I will be watching every game and cheering for both our women’s and men’s teams. If rehab continues to look up, and only if the doctors are happy, I would love to be around later in the season and say hello in person. No promises. That is the intent.

Please keep packing ENGIE Stadium and keep the noise up. Your support matters more than you know.

Thank you for the love. Wishing both Thunder teams a big year.

With gratitude, Ravichandran Ashwin"​

The Historic BBL Opportunity Lost

Ashwin’s signing with Sydney Thunder in September 2025 represented a watershed moment: he was set to become the first Indian male capped cricketer to play in the Big Bash League. His full-season commitment came after going unsold in the ILT20 auction despite listing himself at the maximum base price of USD 120,000.​

Following his IPL retirement in August 2025, Ashwin had become eligible to play in overseas T20 leagues—an opportunity he embraced enthusiastically. The Thunder deal represented his chance to experience a different cricketing culture while contributing to a championship-contending franchise.​

Sydney Thunder’s Response

Trent Copeland, Sydney Thunder’s General Manager, expressed the organization’s disappointment while leaving the door open for future involvement: "Everyone at Sydney Thunder was devastated to learn of Ash’s knee injury that has ruled him out of BBL 15, and we wish him well in his recovery. From the moment we first spoke with Ash, his commitment to Thunder was clear. We are hopeful of welcoming him into our dugout for part of BBL 15, introducing him to our fans at events and building a long-term relationship."​

The franchise remains optimistic that Ashwin could participate in non-playing capacities later in the season, potentially attending matches and fan events if his recovery progresses favorably.​

The Emotional Toll

Ashwin’s YouTube comments revealed the profound disappointment he feels: "You know how it is, we always keep playing. That waiting period will not remain forever. The day I retired, I was expecting the chance to play, to travel, and to experience a different culture, I was expecting that. You know, that is not happening, which is very disappointing, but all these things are for us to learn. For me, this is also a learning curve."​

This statement captures the unique frustration of an athlete who retired from international cricket specifically to pursue franchise opportunities globally, only to have those plans derailed by injury before a single match.

BBL Season 15 and Thunder’s Campaign

Sydney Thunder’s BBL 15 campaign begins December 16 with a grand final rematch against Hobart Hurricanes, followed by the Sydney Smash on December 20 at ENGIE Stadium​. Without Ashwin, the franchise will rely on their existing squad depth, though his absence removes a significant bowling option and veteran leadership presence.

Recovery Timeline and Future Prospects

Ashwin’s 3-4 month recovery timeline means he could potentially be fit by February-March 2026, well after the BBL season concludes on January 25. His immediate focus is rehabilitation, with hopes of returning to competitive cricket in alternative leagues or tournaments once medical clearance is obtained.​

The injury also ruled him out of India’s Hong Kong Super Sixes tournament (November 7), which would have been his first competitive cricket since IPL retirement.​