In a significant development during the ongoing third Test against England, Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has made an abrupt exit from the squad to return to Chennai, driven by a family medical emergency concerning his mother's health.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) disclosed Ashwin's departure without specifying the nature of the emergency. Nonetheless, BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla clarified through a post on X that it was Ashwin's mother who had taken ill, prompting the cricketer's immediate return.
The official statement from BCCI expressed strong support for Ashwin during this difficult time, emphasizing the board's and team's solidarity with the player. "Ravichandran Ashwin has withdrawn from the Test squad, effective immediately due to a family medical emergency. In these challenging times, the BCCI and the team fully support Ashwin," the release stated.
Further elaborating on the board's stance, the release added, "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."
Shukla's social media post further underscored the gravity of the situation: "Wishing speedy recovery of the mother of @ashwinravi99. He has to rush and leave Rajkot test to Chennai to be with his mother."
Acknowledging the sensitivity of the situation, BCCI secretary Jay Shah reiterated the board's commitment to providing any necessary assistance to Ashwin and his family, while also calling for understanding and empathy from fans and the media.
With Ashwin's withdrawal, India faces the prospect of continuing the third Test with only 10 players and a reduced bowling lineup. The possibility of Ashwin missing the subsequent Tests in Ranchi and Dharamsala looms, leaving the team to consider replacements such as Washington Sundar, who is already part of the squad.
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(With PTI inputs)