(Image source from: Twitter.com/BCCI)
Family Emergency: Ravichandran Ashwin withdraws from third test:- India's offspinner R Ashwin has made the decision to step down from the Indian Test squad in Rajkot due to a family medical emergency. The Indian board, BCCI, has expressed their full support for Ashwin and his family, emphasizing the importance of the players' and their loved ones' well-being. They have requested privacy for Ashwin and his family during this difficult time, while also assuring that the team and board will continue to provide any necessary assistance and support. The BCCI made this announcement late in the evening, following the conclusion of the second day's play in Rajkot, where Ashwin had taken India's first wicket of the Test.
R Ashwin withdraws from the 3rd India-England Test due to family emergency.
— BCCI (@BCCI) February 16, 2024
In these challenging times, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the team fully supports Ashwin.https://t.co/U2E19OfkGR
With Ashwin's absence, India will have only ten players remaining for the remaining three days of the Rajkot Test. Normally, substitutes are only allowed for players who are ruled out due to concussions or Covid-19. Without Ashwin, India will rely on Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav as their primary spin options for the rest of the Test match. On day two, Ashwin achieved a noteworthy accomplishment by taking his 500th Test wicket, placing him among the top nine bowlers to achieve this feat.
