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Ashwin praised Rohit Sharma, noting that his selflessness is a rare quality in today’s world.
R Ashwin had anticipated achieving his 500th Test wicket during the second Test in Vizag against England, but it didn’t materialize. His milestone was reached on Day 2 of the Rajkot Test, after India had batted for nearly 132 overs in the first two days. England started well with the bat, especially Ben Duckett, who played an impressive counter-attacking innings. The crucial moment came in the 14th over when Zak Crawley’s attempted sweep resulted in a top edge.
Ashwin shared on his YouTube channel, “The 500th wicket was special, and I kept the ball, but I wouldn’t say it was an exceptional delivery.” However, what followed was a tumultuous series of events for the experienced off-spinner. He revealed the challenges he faced after the second day’s play, having to abruptly leave for a family emergency and then rejoin the team on Day 4.
“I was informed well in advance that I would have to give an interview on JioCinema (the official broadcaster) after reaching my milestone. During the interview, they played a pre-recorded video of my father. Following that, my mother also spoke, but I couldn’t hear her clearly. Afterward, I conducted a press conference. At that time, the match was in a delicate situation, with England at 200/2, and Ben Duckett was playing aggressively. I thought I had him dismissed on one occasion, but the ball had pitched just outside leg stump by a few millimeters. This motivated me to give my best effort the next day. I recall mentioning in the press conference that the game was finely balanced.”
“Afterward, I headed to the dressing room for the usual debrief, where Rohit and I discussed the match for some time. Later, I returned to my room and noticed I hadn’t received any calls from my parents or my wife. I assumed they were occupied with interviews and other well-wishers. I called my wife around 7 PM, but her voice sounded concerned. She requested to speak separately and then informed me that my mother had collapsed after experiencing a severe headache.”
“I was stunned and didn’t know how to react. I went to my room and cried for a while. I didn’t answer the phone, so my wife must have called the team physio to check on me. Rohit and Rahul Dravid were probably informed, and both of them came to my room. I felt torn. I was part of the playing eleven, and the match was finely balanced. If I left, the team would be down to ten players, and England had a slight advantage. They had fought well…,” My mind was flooded with thoughts. I also thought about the last time I spoke to my mother. I was almost certain I needed to leave.
Afterward, I started looking for flights but couldn’t find one. Rohit advised me, ‘Don’t think about anything, leave immediately. I’ll try to arrange a charter flight for you.’ I owe a big thank you to Cheteshwar Pujara. He somehow managed to find a flight from Ahmedabad and chartered it for me. I don’t know how those two hours on the flight passed. And then there’s what Rohit did… He instructed Kamlesh (the physio) to accompany me. Since the team had only two physios, I asked Kamlesh to stay behind. When I descended, both the security and Kamlesh were waiting for me. Rohit called Kamlesh and instructed him, ‘Stay with Ashwin, comfort him, take care of him.’
“It was 9:30 PM. I was amazed. Even if I were the captain and such a situation occurred, I would have certainly told the player to leave. But inquiring about me, arranging for someone to accompany me…unbelievable. I see an exceptional leader in Rohit. I can’t express it enough. I’ve played under many captains, but there’s something special about Rohit. His kindness is why he has won five IPL titles, equal to Dhoni. Such things aren’t easily granted by fate; I just hope he receives something big. To think about others, understand their difficulties, and take care of them…it’s rare to find someone like this in a selfish world.”
“My respect for him grew even more… I already have a lot of respect for him. If he believes in a player, then he backs that player. It’s not an easy thing. Even Dhoni does that. But he (Rohit) has gone 10 steps further. When it becomes so personal like this, a player can even give his life on the field,” said Ashwin, appreciating all the help that Rohit provided.
“Afterward, I returned home and found my mother in a fluctuating state of consciousness. It was 3 AM, and she asked, ‘Did you leave the match?’ The following day, she urged me to depart immediately. So many things occurred around the match that I can’t even recount them all. The support from the team was exceptional; they are all wonderful individuals, without a doubt.”
“The next day, the doctor informed me that she was showing signs of improvement. I visited her again, and she insisted, ‘Leave immediately, there are only 10 people there (on the field).’ Reflecting on this, there’s a significant difference between my generation of parents and the previous generation. I can’t even be half of what my mother and father have been. They have dedicated their lives to the well-being and progress of their children,” said Ashwin.
Having made the decision to rejoin the team, Ashwin informed the BCCI. “If I leave Chennai during the day, it takes until night to reach Rajkot. The BCCI secretary Jay Shah immediately called me. He said he would arrange the flight and asked me to reach the airport at 7 AM. I landed by 12, did some warmups with Kamlesh’s help, and then entered the field immediately. It’s not easy to land and play right away. My legs were hurting. That neural fatigue persisted until the last match.”
“Look at the ups and downs of life. I achieved 500 wickets, but even before I could fully grasp and celebrate it, I received such news. When it comes to my mother, everything else takes a back seat. Travelling from city to city, I experienced extreme highs and lows within hours,” said Ashwin in the video where he summarized the first four Tests.
Ashwin dismissed Hartley in the second innings of the Rajkot Test. He then secured a five-wicket haul in the second innings of the Ranchi Test, helping India take an unassailable 3-1 lead. In the final Test in Dharamsala, he took 4 for 51 and 5 for 77 as India finished with a 4-1 scoreline.
