BCCI secretary Jay Shah arranges chartered flight for Ravichandran Ashwin to rejoin Rajkot Test

Ravichandran Ashwin had to leave the third Test against England in Rajkot midway as his mother was hospitalised. He rushed back to Chennai hours after the end of Day 2. Though he bagged his 500^th wicket on the same day, he had no time to celebrate as his family commitment awaited. Now, on Day 4 of the Rajkot Test, Ashwin joined team India as BCCI secretary Jay Shah arranged a chartered flight for the India spinner highlighting the commendable gesture from the board.

Former India coach Ravi Shastri disclosed that Ashwin made a swift return home on a chartered flight organized by BCCI secretary Jay Shah. Despite the brief departure, he was quick to return to the field during the Tea break and is set to continue competing in the remainder of the third Test against England. Sporting his trademark floppy hat, he was seen honing his skills on the practice pitches alongside head coach Rahul Dravid and bowling coach Paras Mhambrey. 

“BCCI secretary Jay shah had arranged charter plane for Ashwin’s trip home and back,” Shastri said on air.

“The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is pleased to announce the return of Ravichandran Ashwin to the squad after a brief absence due to a family emergency. Ashwin had to temporarily withdraw from the squad after Day 2 of the 3rd Test in Rajkot to attend to a family emergency,” BCCI said in a press release.

England stare at potential defeat in Rajkot

Ashwin's departure from the Test match on Friday evening due to a family medical emergency left India with only ten players, as he couldn't be replaced with bat or ball. Despite the setback, England squandered a strong position of 224 for two, stumbling to 319 all out in their first innings, trailing by 126 runs.

Following Yashasvi Jaiswal's remarkable unbeaten 214, England found themselves in further trouble at Tea, reeling at 18 for two in their second innings while chasing a mammoth 557-run target on Day 4. Currently, England face the daunting prospect of defeat, having amassed 46 runs with the loss of four wickets, while Joe Root and skipper Ben Stokes battle it out on a tense Rajkot afternoon.