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R Ashwin withdrew from the Rajkot Test match with immediate effect after the second day’s play due to a family medical emergency.
The BCCI issued a statement several hours after the end of play on the second day announcing that Ashwin had withdrawn from the team and asking for privacy. Ashwin took his 500th Test wicket in the afternoon session of the second day, which England finished on 207-2, still 238 runs behind India’s first innings total.
The BCCI statement said: “Ravichandran Ashwin has withdrawn from the Test team, with immediate effect due to a family medical emergency. In these difficult times, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the team fully support Ashwin.
“The BCCI extends its heartfelt support to the cricket champion and his family. The health and well-being of players and their loved ones is of utmost importance. The Board requests respect for the privacy of Ashwin and his family as they navigate this difficult time.
“The Board and team will continue to provide necessary assistance to Ashwin and will keep lines of communication open to offer support as needed. Team India appreciates the understanding and empathy of fans and media during this sensitive period.“
Ashwin’s withdrawal could lead to India playing the rest of the Test match with ten players. There are still a maximum of three days of play left in Rajkot, and India have eight wickets left to make England’s first innings.
The right-arm spinner has taken ten wickets in the series so far and bowled seven overs in the afternoon session of the second day, ending the day with figures of 1-37. He also scored valuable runs for India during his first innings, scoring 37 off 89 balls. He shared a 79-run stand with debutant Dhruv Jurel for the eighth wicket in the morning session.
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