Former India cricketer Ravi Shastri shared on Sunday that the Indian Cricket Board (BCCI) organized a private plane for R Ashwin, who had to leave the 3rd Test match against England abruptly due to a family emergency. Ashwin managed to resolve the issue at home and rejoined the team within a day. His dedication to Test cricket and the senior national team earned him praise.
Ravi Shastri Hailed BCCI For Organizing Chartered Plane for R Ashwin
R Ashwin left the 3rd Test match after Day 2 to be with his sick mother. However, he came back on Day 4 afternoon, rejoining the team after the Tea break on Sunday, February 18.
Upon reaching the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot on Sunday, Ashwin was spotted warming up by bowling on the practice pitches. He was warmly welcomed by his teammates before he returned to play in the final session of the day’s play in the 3rd Test.
“The BCCI secretary Jay Shah organised a charter to take him home and bring him back. I think that’s the kind of empathy that’s needed from the BCCI as well. There are the guardians of Indian cricket and with this kind of empathy, they will go a long, long way. It also makes the players feel they belong and are special,” Ravi Shastri said during his commentary stint on Day 4 of the Rajkot Test.
He added: “Good gesture from the BCCI and from Ashwin, too,”
Watch video:
Welcome back Ravi, good to see you 👏
He’s returned from his family emergency ❤️#INDvENG pic.twitter.com/MtAJGL6O45
— England’s Barmy Army 🏴🎺 (@TheBarmyArmy) February 18, 2024
Ashwin was allowed to return to bowling immediately without the usual waiting period, as the match officials made an exception. Typically, players must spend the same amount of time off the field as they did on it before they can bowl again, according to cricket regulations.
In the first innings, Ashwin claimed the wicket of Zak Crawley, marking his 500th in Test cricket. This milestone made him the second-fastest bowler, after Sri Lanka’s Muttiah Muralitharan, to reach 500 Test wickets.
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