India all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin pulled of the squad for the third Test against England, currently being played in Rajkot, due to a family emergency. The latest development came hours after Ashwin took his 500th Test wicket, only the second Indian to do so after the legendary Anil Kumble. While the BCCI initially did not provide the reason behind Ashwin's decision, the board's Vice-President Rajeev Shukla revealed that the player's mother was facing the medical emergency. "Wishing speedy recovery of mother of @ashwinravi99 . He has to rush and leave Rajkot test to Chennai to be with his mother," he posted on X (formerly Twitter).
BCCI provided an update on the development.
"Ravichandran Ashwin has withdrawn from the Test squad, effective immediately due to a family medical emergency.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," BCCI said in a media release.
The Indian Cricket Board did not reveal the exact reason for Ashwin's withdrawal and requested all to respect the cricketer's privacy.
"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," the statement added further.
Can India replace Ashwin with another player?
Ashwin's absence now leaves Team India with 10 outfield players and only four full-time bowlers.
As per the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), the guardian of the Laws of the game, umpires can allow a substitute fielder if they are satisfied that a player has been injured or become ill during the contest.
A team can also have a substitute fielder for a 'wholly acceptable reason' according to MCC's rule No. 24.1.1.2.
Since Ashwin is neither ill or injured, India will only be allowed to have a substitute fielder in Rajkot with the consent of England captain Ben Stokes.
The substitute fielder will not be allowed to bat or bowl for the remainder of the match. Only concussion substitutes are allowed to bat or bowl.
Meanwhile, Ashwin became the fastest Indian to pick 500 Test wickets, surpassing former India captain Kumble in the elite list. Overall, he is the second fastest after Sri Lanka's Muttiah Muralitharan.
Meanwhile, Devdutt Padikkal walked on as a substitute fielder for Ashwin, but cannot bat or bowl, with England on 207-2.