Team India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has withdrawn from the ongoing Rajkot Test match against England due to a medical emergency. The star bowler made the decision to rush home to be with his mother, indicating a pressing family matter that requires his immediate attention.
BCCI shares an official statement
“Ravichandran Ashwin has withdrawn from the Test squad, effective immediately due to a family medical emergency,” the BCCI stated in a press release on Friday (February 16). “In these challenging times, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the team fully supports Ashwin.”
The announcement came late on Friday after the end of the second day’s play in Rajkot, where the Chennai-lad picked up his 500th Test wicket.
Rajiv Shukla confirms Ashwin’s leave for Chennai
While nothing more was revealed by the Indian board, the BCCI vice-president Rajiv Shukla confirmed that Ashwin has returned home to be with his mother, who has been admitted to a hospital in Chennai.
“Wishing speedy recovery of mother of @ashwinravi99. He has to rush and leave Rajkot Test to Chennai to be with his mother. @BCCI,” Shukla posted on X.
Wishing speedy recovery of mother of @ashwinravi99 . He has to rush and leave Rajkot test to Chennai to be with his mother . @BCCI
— Rajeev Shukla (@ShuklaRajiv) February 16, 2024
Also READ: Fastest to 500 Test wickets in terms of balls; Ravichandran Ashwin at No. 2
Ashwin’s absence from the remaining Test comes as a setback for Team India, given his invaluable contributions to the team’s success in recent matches. His exceptional spin bowling and batting prowess have played a pivotal role in India’s victories, making him a key player in the team.
Meanwhile, fans and well-wishers have expressed their support for Ashwin during this challenging time, sending messages of encouragement and understanding as he tends to his family matters. As Ashwin takes time away from cricket to be with his mother, the cricketing community sends its best wishes to him and his family during this difficult period.
Wishing a speedy recovery to Ashwin’s mom …. #prayers
.#Ashwin #Ashwin500 #INDvsENG https://t.co/7AOtJ2NARC— Dipanjan Chatterjee (@DottFour) February 16, 2024
Ravi Ashwin’s mother has been admitted to the hospital.
Wishing his mother for a speedy recovery – Hope everything is fine soon. pic.twitter.com/CoG03s01ra
— CricketMAN2 (@ImTanujSingh) February 16, 2024
Wishing speedy recovery to Ravi Ashwin’s mother 💙 🙏🏻! pic.twitter.com/NGubffLQGL
— Vishal. (@SPORTYVISHAL) February 16, 2024
Wishing speedy recovery to mother of @ashwinravi99 . He has to rush and leave Rajkot test to Chennai to be with his mother #Ashwin #RavichandranAshwin pic.twitter.com/XzE28D4pio
— रोहित जुगलान Rohit Juglan (@rohitjuglan) February 16, 2024