Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin recently opened up about a dramatic moment during England’s tour of India in 2024, when he had to leave the Rajkot Test mid-match due to a family medical emergency. In a candid video on his YouTube channel, Ashwin detailed the emotional and logistical challenges he faced—and how the support of captain Rohit Sharma and coach Rahul Dravid made all the difference.
A Milestone Overshadowed by Silence
Ashwin had just achieved a monumental milestone—his 500th Test wicket. Yet, amidst the flurry of congratulatory messages, something felt off.
“I had taken 500 wickets at that time in Tests,” Ashwin recalled. “But I didn’t get a call from my mother, father or wife. I thought I’ll finish all the press conferences… I was replying to messages, but there was no call or message from my family.”
The silence was unusual and unsettling. “I was very surprised. Or maybe I thought they are allowing me to take my space. I tried calling as well and there was no response,” he added.
A Critical Match and a Difficult Decision
Ashwin soon learned that he had to rush back to Chennai due to a personal emergency. But the decision wasn’t easy—the Test match was evenly poised, and England’s Ben Duckett had just scored a magnificent century. There were no immediate flights available from Rajkot, and the timing couldn’t have been worse from a cricketing perspective.
Despite the tough situation, Ashwin found strength in the words of Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid.
“But Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid immediately asked me to go,” Ashwin revealed. “When the captain and coach were so supportive, I felt like I wanted to come back. I play for people who value me.”
Ashwin eventually returned to the field for England’s second innings, demonstrating not only his commitment to the team but also his resilience in the face of personal adversity.
Now retired from international cricket, Ashwin ended his illustrious Test career with 537 wickets in 106 matches. His story from the Rajkot Test is a reminder of the importance of empathy and leadership in sports, and how a supportive environment can help players give their best—even in the toughest times.
