IND vs ENG: During the ongoing India vs England series, Ravichandran Ashwin’s performance hasn’t quite lived up to the expectations set by his exceptional standards. Despite managing to secure 17 wickets in four Tests, there seems to linger a sense of dissatisfaction within him, characteristic of his relentless pursuit of greatness.
Nevertheless, this series holds profound significance in Ashwin’s illustrious career. In the third Test held in Rajkot, he reached a monumental milestone by claiming his 500th Test wicket, a feat only achieved previously by the legendary Anil Kumble among Indian cricketers.
Further enhancing his legacy, Ashwin surpassed Kumble’s record of 350 Test wickets on Indian soil during the fourth Test in Ranchi. As he gears up for his 100th Test appearance for India in the upcoming fifth Test in Dharamsala, the significance of these accomplishments cannot be overstated.
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However, amidst the glory of these professional milestones, Ashwin faced a profound personal challenge. His mother fell seriously ill shortly after he achieved his 500-wicket landmark. This unforeseen turn of events compelled him to leave the third Test prematurely and rush to Chennai to be by his family’s side during this difficult time.
Prithi, Ashwin’s wife, provided a poignant account of the ordeal they endured during those tumultuous days. She recounted the distressing moment when her mother-in-law collapsed between the conclusion of Day 2 and the commencement of Day 3 of the third Test in Rajkot.
She said, “I heard a sudden scream from aunty as she collapsed, and in no time we were at the hospital.” The family immediately sprang into action, rushing her to the hospital. However, due to logistical constraints regarding flight connectivity, they made the difficult decision to withhold the news from Ashwin temporarily.
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In their hour of need, Prithi sought assistance from Cheteshwar Pujara, a cricketer hailing from Rajkot, to help manage the situation before informing Ashwin. The timely intervention and unwavering support from teammates such as Rohit Sharma, head coach Rahul Dravid, and officials from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) proved instrumental in coordinating Ashwin’s travel arrangements and offering much-needed assistance during this challenging period.
Upon learning of his mother’s condition, Ashwin was understandably devastated. It took him some time to come to terms with the gravity of the situation before he made the difficult decision to prioritize his family and be with his ailing mother. Despite grappling with intense emotions, Ashwin’s sense of duty towards his team and his unwavering commitment to his craft spurred him to eventually rejoin the squad after his mother’s condition stabilized.
Throughout this trying ordeal, Prithi observed a profound shift in Ashwin’s priorities, noting his growing yearning for quality time with his parents—a reflection of his evolving maturity and perspective on life beyond the cricket field.
In summary, amidst the glittering achievements on the cricket pitch, Ashwin’s personal journey has been marked by significant challenges and poignant moments of resilience. Through the unwavering support of his loved ones and teammates, he has navigated through the storm, emerging as a testament to the indomitable human spirit both on and off the field.
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