Ravichandran Ashwin, the stalwart Indian off-spinner, finds himself in the spotlight once again, not just for reaching the remarkable milestone of 500 wickets in Test cricket but also for his touching display of dedication amidst a family emergency during the ongoing England series. As he gears up for his 100th Test appearance in Dharamsala, an interview snippet shared by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) offers insight into Ashwin’s perspective on life and learning.
In a candid moment captured in the interview, Ravichandran Ashwin shares, “There is one thing that I don’t want to do in my life. Just sit there and talk about the great things I have done in my life. For me, the beauty about life is, you get learnings all the time and you could just be someone who just walks past your life for five minutes but they could give so much to learn.”
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During the Rajkot Test, Ashwin achieved a significant milestone, claiming his 500th Test wicket. However, the celebration was cut short as he abruptly left the match due to a family emergency. Details emerged later, revealing that Ashwin’s mother had collapsed suddenly, requiring immediate medical attention. His wife, Prithi, shared insights into the ordeal, highlighting the emotional rollercoaster the family endured.
R Ashwin like you’ve never heard or seen before 🔝
Who else is excited for this one? 😃
Interview coming soon on https://t.co/Z3MPyeKtDz 📽️ straight from Dharamsala 🏔️#TeamIndia | #INDvENG | @ashwinravi99 | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/vg9OlRBXkM
— BCCI (@BCCI) March 6, 2024
“During Rajkot, the kids had just got back from school when five minutes later, he got to 500. And soon, all of us were on the phone answering all the congratulatory messages,” Prithi revealed in her column for The Indian Express. She recounted the frantic efforts to arrange Ashwin’s return journey amidst limited flight options and his emotional response upon learning of his mother’s condition.
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Despite the challenging circumstances, Ashwin displayed remarkable resilience and commitment. Upon reaching home and ensuring his mother’s stability, he promptly returned to Rajkot, rejoining the team on day four of the Test. His swift return underscores his dedication to the game and the support network within the cricketing fraternity, exemplifying the bond shared among players.
As Ashwin prepares for his 100th Test, his journey serves as a testament to perseverance and prioritizing family amidst professional achievements, showcasing the depth of character that defines him both on and off the field.