BBL 15: Which Indian players will participate in upcoming Big Bash League season?

Hobart Hurricanes are the defending champions of the Big Bash League.

The 15th edition of the Big Bash League (BBL) is about to commence. It is the premier T20 league of Australia, first launched in 2011. Traditionally, the tournament is played during the Australian summer, spanning the months of December to February.

BBL 15 will begin on December 14, with the grand finale scheduled for January 25. Players from across the globe will gather to compete for the coveted trophy, bringing excitement, top-notch performances, and unforgettable moments for cricket fans.

The league has grown tremendously in popularity over the years, producing thrilling matches and giving a platform to several young talents who later shone on the international stage. While active Indian players are not permitted to play in foreign leagues, those who have retired from the IPL are free to participate in tournaments globally.

Their presence always brings a unique spark and attracts a huge fan following, especially from India. On that note, let’s take a look at the Indian players, or players of Indian origin, who could be seen in BBL 15.

Ravichandran Ashwin

Ravichandran Ashwin was on the verge of making history as the Sydney Thunder signed him for BBL 15. He would have become the first capped Indian player to feature in the Big Bash League. However, during a training session in Chennai, he suffered a knee injury that required surgery.

The recovery timeline ruled him out of the tournament, forcing him to withdraw despite his full-season commitment to the Thunder. The franchise has expressed hope of keeping him involved in a non-playing capacity throughout the season, given his experience and cricketing intellect.

Ashwin said he was gutted to miss out on BBL 15 and thanked the management and fans for their warmth and support. He added that he will closely follow the Thunder’s campaign and hopes to return soon once he is fully fit.

Nikhil Chaudhary

Nikhil Chaudhary is an Indian-born Australian cricketer who represents the Hobart Hurricanes in the Big Bash League. Born in Delhi, India, he moved to Punjab during his early years. In 2017, Chaudhary made his debut for Punjab in the Inter-State T20 tournament.

He trained under cricketing icons like Harbhajan Singh and Yuvraj Singh but failed to secure a spot in the IPL after unsuccessful trials. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Chaudhary was stranded in Brisbane, Australia, on a travel visa.

During this period, he actively participated in local club cricket, and his consistent performances earned him a recommendation from a local coach, which eventually led to his selection in the BBL.

Chaudhary joined the Hobart Hurricanes in the 2023-24 season. In his BBL career so far, he has played 16 matches, scoring 386 runs and contributing with the ball by picking up 9 wickets at an economy rate under 8.

He will once again be representing the Hobart Hurricanes in BBL 15, bringing both batting firepower and bowling versatility to the side.

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