Ravi Shastri praised the BCCI for arranging a special flight that transported Ravichandran Ashwin from Rajkot to Chennai and back, as revealed during his commentary on the fourth day of the third India-England Test on February 18.
Following a family medical emergency after reaching 500 Test wickets, Ashwin withdrew from the match on Day 2 but returned on Day 4, contributing to India’s decisive 434-run victory and a 2-1 lead in the series.
On the fourth day of the Rajkot Test, Shastri commended the BCCI’s gesture towards Ashwin while providing commentary.
“The BCCI secretary Jay Shah organized 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,” the former India head coach said.
“Good gesture from the BCCI and from Ashwin, too,” he added.
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Upon Ashwin’s comeback to the Rajkot Test on Day 4, he encountered no delay, as the umpires evaluated his situation in accordance with ICC’s clause 24.3.2. This clause specifies that:
“A nominated player’s absence will not incur Penalty time if, in the opinion of umpires, if the player has left the field for other wholly acceptable reason, which shall not include illness or internal injury.”
In India’s second innings, Ashwin bowled six overs and secured figures of 1/19 by dismissing Tom Hartley.
“Shows the character and shows the kind of person he is” – Rohit applauds Ashwin for returning to Rajkot
During the post-match press conference following India’s decisive victory, Captain Rohit Sharma supported Ashwin’s choice to withdraw from the Test. He also praised the off-spinner for rejoining the team on Day 4.
“When we heard the news, there was no second thought in our mind that he should do what he feels is right.”
“He wanted to be with the family, which is an absolutely right thing to do and good on him to actually make a way and come here and be part of the team on this day as well. (It) shows the character and shows the kind of person he is, wanting to put everything ahead for the team,” the Indian captain said.
After the Rajkot Test, Ashwin has accumulated 501 wickets in 98 matches with an average of 23.94.
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