New Delhi, Nov. 4 -- India's decorated spinner Ravichandran Ashwin will miss his Big Bash League debut season with Sydney Thunder due to knee surgery. Ashwin stated that he is "gutted" to miss a chance, which would have made him the first Indian to compete in the BBL.

Ashwin, who retired from the cash-rich Indian Premier League, became available to participate in overseas franchise leagues. He had committed to the entire BBL season after he failed to fetch a price for himself in the ILT20 auction. Ashwin admitted he would "love to play later in the season" if rehab and travel plans allow him to.

"I'm gutted to miss BBL|15. My focus now is recovery and coming back stronger. I'm grateful to the Thunder family and the fans for the warmth t...