In a moment that should have been one of unadulterated triumph, retired Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin found himself torn between professional glory and personal distress during the third Test against England in Rajkot, February 2024. Achieving the monumental feat of 500 Test wickets, Ashwin became only the second Indian after Anil Kumble to reach this milestone. Yet, the celebration was overshadowed by a family emergency that forced him to leave the match midway.
Ashwin dismissed England opener Zak Crawley in the first innings at the Niranjan Shah Stadium, etching his name into the annals of cricket history. However, as the day’s play concluded, the elation of reaching 500 wickets gave way to anxiety. Speaking at the launch of the third episode of Chennai Super Kings’ player documentary series, Ashwin opened up about the unsettling silence from his family. ‘I had taken 500 wickets in Tests, but I didn’t get a call from my mother, father, or wife. I thought I’d finish the press conferences and reply to messages, but there was no response from home,’ he recalled.
The mystery deepened as Ashwin attempted to reach out, only to be met with silence. ‘I was very surprised. I even thought maybe they were giving me space to soak in the moment,’ he added. It wasn’t until he returned to his hotel that his wife finally broke the news of his mother’s sudden illness. With no immediate flights available from Rajkot and the match hanging in the balance—thanks to a stellar century by England’s Ben Duckett—Ashwin faced a logistical nightmare. Yet, the support from captain Rohit Sharma and head coach Rahul Dravid was unwavering. ‘They immediately asked me to go. When your captain and coach show such support, it makes you feel valued,’ Ashwin said with gratitude.
Despite missing the remainder of England’s first innings, Ashwin’s determination saw him return to the squad in time to bowl in the second innings. His career, which concluded with an astonishing 537 Test wickets in 106 matches and 37 five-wicket hauls, stands as a testament to his resilience and skill. This episode, however, reveals the human side of a cricketing giant—a man who balanced historic achievements with the weight of personal responsibility.
As fans, we often celebrate the on-field heroics, but Ashwin’s story reminds us of the personal sacrifices behind every boundary and wicket. His journey to 500 wickets wasn’t just a statistical marvel; it was a poignant chapter of grit, emotion, and the unbreakable bond of family and team. In the heart of Rajkot, amidst roaring crowds, R Ashwin showed that true greatness lies not just in records, but in the courage to face life’s toughest moments.