Ashwin withdraws from Rajkot Test due to household emergency

“The BCCI extends its heartfelt support to the champion cricketer and his family,” the Indian board mentioned in a media launch. “The health and well-being of the players and their loved ones are of utmost importance. The Board requests respect for the privacy of Ashwin and his family as they navigate through this challenging time.

“The Board and the group will proceed to supply any mandatory help to Ashwin and can preserve the strains of communication open to supply help as wanted. Team India appreciates the understanding and empathy of the followers and media throughout this delicate interval.”

Ashwin’s withdrawal could leave India with only ten players, with three days of play left in the Rajkot Test. Ordinarily, playing substitutes are only permitted for players ruled out by concussions or Covid-19. In the absence of Ashwin, India are left with Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav as frontline spin options for the rest of this Test.