Ravichandran Ashwin, experienced spin bowler for India, drew attention on February 16, Friday. He’s only the second Indian cricketer to nab 500 Test cricket wickets. Ravichandran Ashwin hit this milestone during the third India England Test’s second day, at Rajkot’s Niranjan Shah Stadium. His whooping wicket was Zak Crawley, bowled out at 15.
Late Friday, the BCCI announced that the Tamil Nadu player had to leave the third Test due to a family issue. Consequently, the 37-year-old won’t join the remainder of the Rajkot Test. Devdutt Padikkal filled Ashwin’s shoes as a temporary fielder on Day 3 in Rajkot.
“Ravichandran Ashwin has withdrawn from the Test squad, effective immediately due to a family medical emergency.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.”
“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.”
BCCI Official
The BCCI also indicated that the cricket board will continue to give assistance to the off-spinner.
“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.”
BCCI Official
Interestingly, a senior player from the Indian team, Virat Kohli, had earlier also exited the running Test series against England for personal purposes.
Ravichandran Ashwin reflects on his hard work and journey to 500 Test wickets
Recalling his journey after taking his 500th Test wicket in Rajkot on Friday, Ravichandran Ashwin said he was pleased, adding that his achievement was not awful.
As the second day of the game wrapped up, he expressed something in a media briefing:
“It’s been a very long journey. I don’t exactly know where to begin because I was an accidental spinner. I wanted to be a batter all along. Life gave me a chance. When I walked into the CSK dressing room, Muttiah Muralitharan didn’t want to bowl (with) the new ball and eventually I got tossed the new ball.”
“I had a reasonable first-class (cricket) start to my life. (The) first-class career was pretty good. But nevertheless, the stage in the IPL made me made me visible to a lot of people and I eventually got my Test debut. People doubted me whether I could be a Test bowler and 10-13 years later… not bad, not a bad achievement. I’m pretty glad.”
Ravichandran Ashwin
Ravichandran Ashwin, in his 98 Test matches, boasts 500 wickets. His average? 23.94. He has 34 times with five outs and 8 experiences with ten outs in one match.
