Ravichandran Ashwin: In the third Test of the series against England, India’s seasoned spinner Ravichandran Ashwin had an intense 48 hours. Approximately several hours following his incredible feat of taking his 500th wicket in Test cricket, Ashwin was unexpectedly removed from the Rajkot Test match because of a family emergency.
BCCI Confirms Ashwin’s Withdrawal
Shortly after Day 2, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) issued a statement confirming Ashwin’s withdrawal from the match. But on Day 4, Ashwin was able to return to the Indian team after taking care of his family in Chennai.
After returning, Ashwin contributed to India’s massive 434-run victory by taking a wicket in his economical six-over performance while only giving up 19 runs. Day 4 saw Ashwin return to action after tea, and Ravi Shastri announced live on the mic that the BCCI had set up a charter flight from Chennai to Rajkot so he could play again.
Prompt Return and Professionalism
Ashwin’s prompt return to the team and his subsequent contributions demonstrate his professionalism and dedication to the team and the sport. But Ashwin’s wife, Prithi Narayanan, has now disclosed how tough those 48 hours were when he had to take a plane back home.
“We chased the 500 to Hyderabad, it didn’t happen. To Vizag, it didn’t happen. So I just bought a ton of sweets and gave it to everyone at home at 499. 500 came and went quietly. Till it didn’t. A lot happened between 500 and 501. Longest 48 hours of our lives,” Ashwin’s wife wrote on Instagram.
“But this is about the 500. And the 499 before that. What a phenomenal achievement. What a phenomenal guy. I am insanely proud of you Ravi Ashwin. We love you!” she further added.
Post-Match Press Conference Praise
In the post-match news conference, Indian captain Rohit Sharma praised Ashwin’s professionalism in rejoining the team and emphasised that the off-spinner made the correct decision in flying back to Chennai.
“When you lose your most experienced bowler in the middle of a Test match, it’s not easy. But everything aside, family comes first. And when we heard the news, there were no second thoughts in our minds that he should do what he felt was right,” Rohit said in the post-match press conference.
“He wanted to be with the family, which was absolutely the right thing to do. It was good for him and to make a way and be a part of the team shows the character and the kind of person he is. We were happy to have him back,” he added.
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