In a significant blow to India‘s prospects in the ongoing third Test of the red-ball series against England, the seasoned spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has been forced to leave the match midway, dealing a considerable setback to the team. The stalwart had recently achieved a remarkable milestone by surpassing 500 Test wickets. His departure from the game at such a crucial juncture has left the Indian side grappling with the challenges posed by the English team.
Reason behind Ravichandran Ashwin’s departure
Ashwin has withdrawn from the ongoing match, citing a compelling medical emergency. The esteemed bowler has decided to hasten back home to be by his mother’s side, signalling the gravity of a pressing family matter that demands his immediate attention.
“Ravichandran Ashwin has withdrawn from the Test squad, effective immediately due to a family medical emergency, In these challenging times, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the team fully supports Ashwin.” the BCCI stated in a press release on Friday (February 16).
Ashwin’s replacement: What does the rule book say?
With Ashwin’s absence, India faces the challenge of navigating the entire game with only ten players and four specialist bowlers. The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), the game’s Laws’ custodian, stipulates that umpires may permit a substitute fielder if they are convinced that a player has sustained an injury or fallen ill during the match. Notably, Devdutt Padikkal did the fielding duties in place of Ashwin.
According to MCC’s rule No. 24.1.1.2, a team is eligible for a substitute fielder for a ‘wholly acceptable reason’. However, such a substitute cannot bowl or assume the role of captain. Remarkably, the player can act as a wicket-keeper, but only with the approval of the umpires. Given that Ashwin’s absence is not due to injury or illness during the game, India can only introduce a substitute fielder in Rajkot with the consent of the opposite team’s captain, Ben Stokes.
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‘He can come anytime and bowl straightaway’: Dinesh Karthik
As BCCI’s statement indicated Ashwin’s absence from the remainder of the Rajkot Test, former Indian player and commentator Dinesh Karthik has revealed an unexpected development. According to Karthik, match officials have extended a rare reprieve to the veteran off-spinner, indicating that Ashwin could potentially bowl “anytime” if he returns to the Test. However, such a comeback seems unlikely at this stage.
“Ravi Ashwin can come anytime during this Test Match and bowl straightaway. The umpires have given Ashwin that favour,” Karthik said while doing commentary for the match.