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"Rohit, Dravid Inspired Me Out Of Family Emergency" Ashwin Recalls Rajkot Test Ordeal

Aakash Saini

Ravichandran Ashwin with Rohit Sharma [Source: @SelflessCricket/x]Ravichandran Ashwin with Rohit Sharma [Source: @SelflessCricket/x]

Ravichandran Ashwin recently recalled his experience of attending a family emergency in Chennai, midway into India’s Rajkot Test match against England from back in February 2024. In the same match, the legendary off-spinner picked up his 500th Test wicket, becoming the fastest Indian cricketer to do so after Anil Kumble.

However, Ashwin withdrew from the match on Day 2 to travel from Rajkot to his hometown in Chennai to attend his family. He eventually rejoined the Indian team at the start of the final session of play on Day 4.

Ravi Ashwin Explains How Sharma, Dravid Inspired Him

Taking to his YouTube channel, Ravichandran Ashwin recalled an ordeal from his landmark Rajkot Test, during which he reached the 500-wicket mark back in February 2024. The legendary off-spinner stated that upon completing 500 wickets, he did not receive any congratulatory phone call from his family members.

When he later found out that someone from his family was rushed to a hospital in Chennai at the time, the cricketer explained that he wanted to leave the team midway into the Rajkot Test, even though the match was hanging in the balance owing to Ben Duckett’s splendid 153. 

Furthermore, Ravi Ashwin stated that he received much support from captain Rohit Sharma and coach Rahul Dravid, which eventually inspired him to return to action on Day 4 of the match.

As quoted by cricket.com, Ravichandran Ashwin said:

“I had taken 500 wickets at that time in Tests. 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. 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.”

“There was no flight immediately, and I was in Rajkot. The match was in the balance. Ben Duckett had scored a fantastic century. But Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid immediately asked me to go. When the captain and coach were so supportive, I felt like I wanted to come back. I play for people who value me.”

Ravichandran Ashwin recently confirmed his retirement from international cricket, bringing an end to his glorious 106-match career. The cricketer finished with 537 wickets from 200 innings at an average of 24 to retire as one of the game’s most successful bowlers of all time.