Sandhu re-signs with Thunder

Fast bowler Gurinder Sandhu has re-signed with the Sydney Thunder for the upcoming KFC Big Bash League season. 

Originally from Blacktown, Sandhu is the club’s leading BBL wicket-taker with 31-wickets.

“It was a very easy decision. I’ve been at Thunder since BBL|02, which is when I first started playing BBL cricket, and I just love the environment,” said Sandhu.

“I love that I’ll get to come back home to Sydney and visit Western Sydney where I grew up and see my family. I’m really good friends with all of the guys too so I can’t wait to hook back up with everyone.”

The 25-year-old made his name in BBL|03, finishing the season as the Thunder’s leading wicket-taker with 10 scalps before strong performances the following season saw him selected in the Australian ODI side.

Sandhu’s enjoyed a successful season so far, having made the decision to move south from his home-state of NSW to Tasmania. His success for the Tigers in the JLT Cup included a seven-wicket haul in the final against Victoria.

“Unfortunately we couldn’t get the win in the final but personally it was a really, really good tournament,” said Sandhu.

“I wasn’t in the initial squad so to finish off the tournament as the equal leading wicket taker (for the Tigers) was really, really good and proves that the hard work and the move was the right thing to do.”

Finding great form at the right time of year, Sandhu earned selection in the Cricket Australia XI squad alongside Thunder teammates Fawad Ahmed and Chris Green. They will play South Africa in a T20 tour match on Wednesday at Allan Border Field in Brisbane.

Sydney Thunder open their BBL|08 campaign against the Melbourne Stars on Friday December 21 at Canberra’s Manuka Oval.

Sydney Thunder squad: Shane Watson (c), Fawad Ahmed, Jos Buttler, Pat Cummins,  Anton Devcich, Callum Ferguson, Ryan Gibson, Chris Green, Chris Jordan, Usman Khawaja, Jay Lenton, Nathan McAndrew, Kurtis Patterson, Daniel Sams Gurinder Sandhu, Joe Root