Amidst the high-octane clash between India and England in Rajkot, the absence of spin maestro Ravichandran Ashwin from the ongoing Test due to a family emergency in Chennai has stirred sentiments across the cricketing fraternity. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) affirmed its support for Ashwin and urged fans to respect his privacy during this challenging time.

Former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh expressed his heartfelt wishes and prayers for Ashwin and his family through a poignant message on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). “Dear @ashwinravi99, Over the years you’ve given joy to 1.4 billion Indians with your achievements and I join each of those in sending wishes and prayers for the well-being of your family,” Harbhajan conveyed, encapsulating the collective sentiment of cricket enthusiasts.

Dear @ashwinravi99, Over the years you’ve given joy to 1.4 billion Indians with your achievements and I join each of those in sending wishes and prayers for the well-being of your family. 🙏

— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) February 16, 2024

Day 2 of the third Test witnessed Ashwin etching his name in cricketing history by becoming only the second Indian cricketer, following Anil Kumble, to claim 500 wickets in Test cricket. A plethora of cricketing stalwarts, including Sachin Tendulkar, Gautam Gambhir, Nathan Lyon, and Yusuf Pathan, extended their congratulations to Ashwin while expressing concern for his family’s well-being.

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Yusuf Pathan’s message encapsulated the sentiment, “Big cheers to @ashwinravi99 for 500 Test wickets! Very big achievement in cricket. Heard you left the game for family reasons. Hope everything is okay. #INDvENG,” showcasing the cricketing fraternity’s support and empathy.

Big cheers to @ashwinravi99 for 500 Test wickets! Very big achievement in cricket. Heard you left the game for family reasons. Hope everything is okay. #INDvENG

— Yusuf Pathan (@iamyusufpathan) February 16, 2024

In the heat of the battle on the field, England capitalized on their momentum after bundling out the hosts for 445 runs. Opener Ben Duckett’s scintillating century propelled England’s charge, supported adeptly by Ollie Pope.

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As the visitors concluded Day 2 at 207/2, India faced a daunting challenge to stage a comeback in the absence of Ashwin’s spin prowess. With the spotlight now on pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, India seeks early breakthroughs on Day 3 to shift the balance in their favour amidst the backdrop of Ashwin’s absence.