Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin had pulled out of the ongoing third IND vs ENG Test match being played in Rajkot after the end of Day 2. The veteran off-spinner took the step due to a family emergency and BCCI informed about the same on Friday, February 16. While BCCI didn’t reveal the reason behind Ashwin’s sudden withdrawal from the third IND vs ENG Test, BCCI vice president Rajeev Shukla believes that his mother is not well, due to which he withdrew from the squad after Day 2.
While his fans would be willing to know, when will Ravichandran Ashwin come back, left-arm wrist spinner and Ashwin’s partner in crime, Kuldeep Yadav has given an important update on the same. Kuldeep was speaking to Indian wicketkeeper and commentator Dinesh Karthik after Day 3, wherein he stated that he wasn’t sure, but R Ashwin is someone, who is coming back. Karthik also asked Kuldeep about the current medical update of Yashasvi Jaiswal, who got retired hurt on Day 3. He added that Yashasvi is feeling much better and he may also come back in the coming days.
Kuldeep Yadav and BCCI give major update about Ravichandran Ashwin’s return
Kuldeep Yadav said, “Yes, probably I am not sure but, Ashwin is someone who is coming back. 100 percent he is much better now.”
After Kuldeep Yadav’s remarks, the BCCI released an official statement and announced that Ravichandran Ashwin will be rejoining the team on Day 4.
“Both R Ashwin and the team management are pleased to confirm that he will be back in action on Day 4 and will continue to contribute towards the team cause in the ongoing Test match,” BCCI stated.
The team management, players, media and fans have shown immense understanding and empathy, acknowledging the importance of family as a priority. The team and its supporters have stood united in support of Ashwin during this challenging period, and the management is delighted to welcome him back to the field. Ashwin and his family kindly request privacy as they navigate through these challenging times.
The third IND vs ENG Test match was very special for Ravichandran Ashwin as a bowler. Ashwin entered the five hundred Test wickets club by dismissing English batsman Zak Crawley in the first innings. He also became the second fastest bowler to achieve the milestone and also only the second Indian to take 500 Test wickets. It took 98 Tests for Ashwin, to enter the 500 Test wickets club and he can pick 600 wickets as well.
The Indian team wasn’t able to substitute Ravichandran Ashwin and had to bowl on Day 3 with one short bowler.
As per the rules of the game, if umpires believe a player has been hurt or becomes unwell during the game, they may permit a replacement fielder. A team may field a substitute fielder for a “completely acceptable reason,” according to rule no. 24.1.1.2. But, the replacement fielder isn’t permitted to bowl or bat during the match. He can, however, carry out his wicketkeeping responsibilities if the umpire permits. If the Indian team wants a substitute player in place of Ravichandran Ashwin then they must take the consent of opposition captain Ben Stokes.
Getting back to the third IND vs ENG Test match, the Indian cricket team finished at 196/2 at the end of Day 3 and is well ahead in the match. With Shubman Gill present at the crease on 65*, he will aim to convert his half-century into a hundred and also stretch India’s lead to over 500 runs.
Chasing down targets hasn’t been an easy job for both the teams in the series so far. While India lost the first Test while chasing down on the fourth day whereas, the same was the case with England in the last match. The pitch on Day 4 and 5 may give more assistance to the bowlers, which shall prove to be deadly for the three lions and they might end up losing the match.