It was an unexpected twist for Indian spin maestro Ravichandran Ashwin as he failed to find a buyer in the ILT20 2026 auction. Entering the event with a base price of $120,000, the 39-year-old veteran — who retired from international cricket in December 2024 and from the IPL in August 2025 — went unsold in the first round, surprising many in the cricket world.
No Bids for Ashwin in ILT20 Auction
Despite his illustrious career and experience, Ashwin’s name did not attract a single bid. He wasn’t alone — England’s pace legend James Anderson (base price $40,000) and Pakistan’s Mohammad Amir ($80,000) also went unsold.
Ashwin’s T20 numbers speak for themselves. Across 333 matches, he has taken 317 wickets and scored 1233 runs. In the IPL, he appeared in 221 games for five different franchises — Chennai Super Kings, Rising Pune Super Giants, Punjab Kings, Delhi Capitals, and Rajasthan Royals — picking up 187 wickets. His final IPL appearance came in May 2025 in Delhi, where he ended with figures of 2/41.
A key member of India’s 2011 World Cup and 2013 Champions Trophy-winning squads, Ashwin also represented India in 65 T20Is, taking 72 wickets and scoring 184 runs.
New Journey Awaits: Ashwin Joins Sydney Thunder
While the ILT20 snub is a disappointment, Ashwin’s cricket journey is far from over. Last month, Big Bash League side Sydney Thunder confirmed his signing, making him the first-ever Indian cricketer to feature in Australia’s premier T20 competition.
“Thunder were crystal clear about how they wanted to use me, and I’m excited about the role,” Ashwin said. “I love the way Dave Warner approaches the game, and I can’t wait to perform for Thunder Nation.”
Sydney Thunder’s General Manager, Trent Copeland, hailed Ashwin’s signing as a major boost, praising his experience, leadership, and influence on younger players. He also highlighted how Ashwin’s presence could strengthen the team’s bond with the growing Indian community in Western Sydney.
A Setback, But Not the End
Missing out on the ILT20 might feel like a setback, but for a player of Ashwin’s calibre, it’s just another chapter. As he gears up to bring his spin magic to the BBL, fans are eager to see how one of India’s greatest match-winners adapts to a new challenge — and continues to inspire a new generation of cricketers around the world.
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