Ravichandran Ashwin, Hours After 500th Test Wicket, Withdraws From India Squad. Reason Is Medical Emergency
Ravichandran Ashwin had to withdraw his name from India squad hours after he claimed his 500th Test wicket in Rajkot. He is out of the team with immediate effect
Ravichandran Ashwin withdrew his name from India's ongoing 3rd Test against England in Rajkot due to medical emergency in family. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) shared the news on Friday night. Notably, Ashwin had to withdraw his name from India squad hours after he claimed his 500th Test wicket in Rajkot. He is out of the team with immediate effect, informed the board in a release. While the apex cricket body extended its complete support to the player, it also requested the media and fans to respect the privacy of Ashwin and his family.
"Ravichandran Ashwin has withdrawn from the Test squad, effective immediately due to a family medical emergency.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," said the cricket board in its release.
"The BCCI extends its heartfelt support to the champion cricketer and his family. The health and well-being of the players and their loved ones are of utmost importance. The Board requests respect for the privacy of Ashwin and his family as they navigate through this challenging time.
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
"The Board and the team will continue to provide any necessary assistance to Ashwin and will keep the lines of communication open to offer support as needed. Team India appreciates the understanding and empathy of the fans and media during this sensitive period."
The Indian bowling attack has been ineffective so far against the Three Lions in Rajkot, with the visitors scoring 207 for 2 in only 35 overs by the end of play on Day 2.
England trailed India by 238 runs at Stumps on Friday.
Earlier, it was Mark Wood's four-wicket haul that helped England bundle India out for 445 despite Rohit Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja scoring centuries.
Ravichandran Ashwin