Ravichandran Ashwin Withdraws from Ongoing Rajkot Test
Posted by admin on 2024-02-17 |
Ravichandran Ashwin, the esteemed off-spinner for Team
India, has made the difficult decision to withdraw from the ongoing Rajkot Test
match against England due to a pressing family medical emergency. Despite
celebrating another remarkable milestone in his illustrious Test career,
Ashwin's joy was abruptly overshadowed by the urgent need to depart from the
Indian squad. Jay Shah, the Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in
India (BCCI), officially confirmed Ashwin's departure from the Test squad,
citing the unforeseen circumstances surrounding a family member's health.
While
specifics regarding the medical emergency were not disclosed by the Indian
board, BCCI Vice-President Rajiv Shukla provided clarity, revealing that Ashwin
has rushed back home to Chennai to be with his ailing mother, who has been
hospitalized. Regrettably, Ashwin is expected to remain unavailable for the
subsequent Tests against England, thereby leaving a void in the Indian bowling
lineup.
Ashwin's
absence from the Rajkot encounter has left Team India with the challenge of
playing the remainder of the third Test with only 10 players and four
specialist bowlers. According to the guidelines set forth by the Marylebone
Cricket Club (MCC), the governing body responsible for the Laws of the game,
umpires may permit a substitute fielder in the event of injury or illness
during the match. However, as Ashwin's departure was not due to injury or
illness sustained during the game, India can only enlist a substitute fielder
with the consent of England's captain, Ben Stokes.
The
timing of the announcement, following the conclusion of the second day's play
in Rajkot, magnified the significance of Ashwin's departure. It was during this
very match that the Chennai-born spinner achieved a monumental milestone,
joining the esteemed company of Anil Kumble as only the second Indian bowler to
claim 500 Test wickets. Ashwin's remarkable feat solidifies his position as one
of India's most prolific bowlers, trailing only behind the legendary Anil
Kumble, who retired with 619 scalps to his name.
