India vs England: R Ashwin withdraws from Rajkot Test due to this reason

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Senior Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin has withdrawn from the ongoing third Test against England in Rajkot due to a family medical emergency. The 37-year-old, who achieved his 500th Test wicket on day two of the Rajkot Test, has departed for home.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) issued an official statement confirming Ashwin's absence from the match. However, the board refrained from disclosing the specifics of the family emergency, urging privacy for Ashwin and his family.

The BCCI statement read, "Ravichandran Ashwin has withdrawn from the Test squad, effective immediately due to a family medical emergency.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."

Meanwhile, BCCI vice-president Rajiv Shukla took to his social media handle on X, formerly known as Twitter, to extend his wishes to Ashwin. Shukla mentioned that Ashwin had rushed back home to be with his mother, Chitra, who had fallen ill suddenly.

"Wishing speedy recovery of mother of @ashwinravi99. He has to rush and leave the Rajkot Test to Chennai to be with his mother. @BCCI," Shukla posted on X. Ashwin flew back to Chennai soon after the press conference at the close of play on Friday evening when he heard the news about his mother.

With Ashwin gone, Team India will have to play with a player short as there is no rule for replacements in cricket. The Rohit Sharma-led side will now have to manage with just ten players in the remainder of the game in Rajkot which is still evenly poised.

India are now left with just four specialist bowlers, two pacers (Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammad Siraj) and two spinners i.e. Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav. The senior off-spinner might not be available for the remaining two Test matches scheduled in Ranchi and Dharamsala if his mother's condition doesn't change.

Regarding potential replacements for Ashwin's off-spin bowling role, the team has Washington Sundar and Axar Patel - another all-rounder - within its ranks. The BCCI will announce Ashwin's replacement after the conclusion of this Test match.

The BCCI reiterated its unwavering support for Ashwin and his family during this challenging time. Emphasizing the importance of the players' and their loved ones' well-being, the board urged respect for Ashwin and his family's privacy.

BCCI secretary Jay Shah expressed gratitude for the understanding and empathy demonstrated by fans and media during this sensitive period. He stated, "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."