The third Test match between India and England in Rajkot holds a special significance for Ravichandran Ashwin. On the second day of the match, Ashwin achieved a remarkable milestone by claiming his 500th Test wicket, dismissing England’s Zak Crawley. With this feat, he joined the elite ranks of cricketers, becoming only the ninth player worldwide and the second Indian after Anil Kumble to achieve this milestone. However, amidst the celebrations, Ashwin encountered a personal crisis that compelled him to depart from the squad abruptly.
“Ravichandran Ashwin has withdrawn from the Test squad, effective immediately due to a family medical emergency. In these challenging times, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the team fully supports Ashwin,” stated the BCCI.
Subsequently, Ashwin shared the harrowing details of the incident. “We went to the dressing room for another debrief and then back to our rooms. Rohit, me, and others were just discussing some things about the match here and there. That is when I realised I was not getting calls from my parents or wife,” Ashwin recounted on his YouTube channel.
His wife’s trembling voice relayed the distressing news that Ashwin’s mother had collapsed after experiencing a severe headache. Overwhelmed with emotion, Ashwin found solace in the privacy of his room, grappling with the shock of the situation. Despite his anguish, his thoughts also turned to his team’s predicament in the ongoing match.
“At that moment of personal shock, Ashwin said he was thinking about the team – I am part of the playing XI, and the game is in the balance… If I go, they will be a bowler short,” the article recounted, reflecting on Ashwin’s dilemma.
Amidst the turmoil, Ashwin found unwavering support from his teammates, particularly Indian cricket team coach Rahul Dravid and captain Rohit Sharma. Their compassion and proactive efforts, including arranging a charter flight and ensuring the presence of the team physio, provided Ashwin with the reassurance and assistance he needed during this trying time.
As Ashwin navigates through this personal ordeal, his story serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges athletes often face beyond the realm of sports, highlighting the importance of compassion and support within the cricketing fraternity.
