Follow UsRavichandran Ashwin, who is now retired from all forms of international cricket, had to rush to the hospital in Chennai while playing a match in Rajkot during England’s tour of India in 2024.
However, the bowler did not miss the entire Test and returned to bowl in England’s second innings. But all this could not have transpired if not for a supportive captain and coach in Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid, respectively.
Revealing the chat with the two of them, Ashwin, on his YouTube channel, said that the situation of the game was tough, and a call to leave the match in between was a difficult one.
Narrating the story of what transpired after he had taken his 500th Test wicket, Ashwin said, "I had taken 500 wickets at that time in Tests. But I didn't get a call from my mother, father or wife. I thought I'll finish all the press conferences… I was replying to messages, but there was no call or message from my family.”
"I was very surprised. Or maybe I thought they are allowing me to take my space. I tried calling as well and there was no response,” he added.
Explaining why the decision was a tough one, Ashwin said, "There was no flight immediately, and I was in Rajkot. The match was in the balance. Ben Duckett had scored a fantastic century.”
Finally, the off-spinner, with 537 wickets in 106 Tests, revealed the conversation between him, the coach and the captain.
“But Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid immediately asked me to go. When the captain and coach were so supportive, I felt like I wanted to come back. I play for people who value me."