Due to a family issue, India’s off-spinner R Ashwin has withdrawn from the third Test against England, which is now underway in Rajkot. After the second day’s play, which saw the 37-year-old claim his 500th Test wicket, the announcement was made late on Friday, February 16.

“Ravichandran Ashwin has withdrawn from the Test squad, effective immediately, due to a family medical emergency,” the BCCI announced in a press release on Friday (February 16). “In these challenging times, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the team fully support Ashwin.”

Vice president of the BCCI Rajiv Shukla posted on X, formerly Twitter, saying, “Rashwin’s mother is recovering quickly. He needs to get to Chennai quickly so he can see his mother after the Rajkot exam.”

The board said in the statement, “The BCCI offers the champion cricket player and his family its sincere support. The players’ and their loved ones’ health and well-being are the most important things. The Board asks that Ashwin and his family be allowed to maintain their privacy during this difficult period.

“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.”
Ashwin’s absence may leave India with just ten players ready to play in the third Test, which has three days left. His withdrawal extends the roster of players who will be out for the duration of the series or specific games.

Before the commencement of the series, Harry Brook withdrew for personal reasons, while Virat Kohli likewise refrained from selection for personal reasons, first for the first two Tests and then for the entire series.

A few people have also been injured. Due to a left knee injury, he suffered in the first Test, Jack Leach was out of the series, and KL Rahul, who missed the second Test because of a quadriceps injury, was unable to play in the third game because of a sore knee. After suffering a hamstring injury in the first Test, Ravindra Jadeja was unable to play in the second game in Vizag. However, he was able to rejoin the India XI for the Rajkot Test.