The sudden exit of Ravichandran Ashwin from the ongoing Test match against England in Rajkot has left many fans and cricket enthusiasts puzzled. Initially, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) cited a family emergency as the reason behind Ashwin’s absence. However, the specifics of this emergency were not disclosed at the time. Now, BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla has shed light on the situation, revealing that Ashwin’s mother’s health had taken a turn for the worse, necessitating his immediate return to Chennai.
The news of Ashwin’s abrupt exit came as a shock to both his teammates and fans, especially considering the significant milestone he had just achieved in the match. On the second day of the Rajkot Test, Ashwin became only the second Indian bowler and the ninth player in the world to reach 500 Test wickets, a feat previously accomplished only by legendary spinner Anil Kumble. His achievement was lauded by fans and experts alike, making his departure from the match all the more unexpected.
In a social media post, Rajeev Shukla expressed his wishes for Ashwin’s mother to recover swiftly. He also acknowledged Ashwin’s commitment to his family, noting that the decision to leave the Test match midway was a difficult but necessary one. Despite the unfortunate circumstances, Shukla emphasized that Ashwin’s well-being and that of his family were of paramount importance.
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As Ashwin heads back to Chennai to be with his family, Team India will undoubtedly miss his presence on the field. His absence leaves a void in the team’s bowling attack and could have a significant impact on the outcome of the match, especially in the crucial fourth innings. Nonetheless, the cricketing community stands united in offering support and understanding to Ashwin and his family during this challenging time.