Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin recently shared a personal anecdote on his YouTube channel, detailing the emotional rollercoaster he experienced during the third Test match against England in Rajkot last month.
Milestone Moment Turns into Family Crisis
Ashwin, who had achieved the remarkable feat of claiming his 500th Test wicket earlier in the day, spoke about his initial confusion upon being unable to reach his family after the match.
“Reaching the 500-wicket milestone was a joyous occasion,” Ashwin said in a video on his YouTube channel. “Following the day’s play, I was anticipating a call from my family, but when attempts to connect proved futile, a sense of unease began to settle in.â
Wife’s Call Triggers Immediate Action
As anxiety mounted, Ashwin finally managed to connect with his wife, Prithi. Her voice revealed the concerning news – his mother had suffered a sudden health scare.
“My wife informed me that my mother had collapsed due to a severe headache,” Ashwin revealed. “The news left me numb. I didn’t know how to react and sought privacy from my teammates.”
Teammates Rally Around Ashwin
News of the situation reached captain Rohit Sharma and coach Rahul Dravid through Ashwin’s wife. Immediate action was taken.
“Rohit came to my room and urged me to prioritise my family. He insisted I pack my bags and leave for Chennai right away,” Ashwin recounted.
Travel Arrangements and Unexpected Support
With no commercial flights available until the following morning, the situation required a swift solution. Thankfully, teammate Cheteshwar Pujara stepped in to help.
“I am incredibly grateful to Cheteshwar Pujara for his assistance,” Ashwin expressed. “He actively sought solutions and was instrumental in arranging a chartered flight for me to return home.”
Rohit Goes the Extra Mile
Adding another layer of support, Rohit Sharma ensured that the team physiotherapist, Kamlesh Jain, accompanied Ashwin on his flight.
“Not only did Rohit advocate for Kamlesh to accompany me, but he also maintained regular contact during the flight to check on my well-being,” Ashwin said. “This gesture deeply moved me. In a world often focused on individual gain, such genuine care speaks volumes about Rohit’s character.â
Ashwin Lauds Rohit’s Leadership
The experience left a lasting impression on Ashwin, solidifying his appreciation for Rohit’s leadership qualities.
“This situation provided a firsthand glimpse into Rohit’s exceptional character,” Ashwin stated. “He is a true leader with a compassionate heart. His unwavering support has further strengthened my respect for him. He is a captain for whom I would readily give my all on the field.”
Gratitude for Teammates and Looking Ahead
Ashwin expressed his heartfelt gratitude to both Rohit Sharma and Cheteshwar Pujara for their instrumental roles in providing support during this challenging personal situation.
This experience sheds light on the strong sense of camaraderie that exists within the Indian cricket team, extending beyond the boundaries of the playing field.
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