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Ravichandran Ashwin, set to mark his 100th Test appearance for India, found himself in a deeply emotional moment when he visited his mother in the intensive care unit (ICU) of a hospital in Chennai. Ashwin, gearing up for India’s fifth and final Test against England in Dharamshala, had to make an abrupt departure during the third Test in Rajkot due to his mother’s sudden illness.
R Ashwin picked up his 500th Test wicket in Rajkot
During the Rajkot Test, Ashwin achieved the remarkable milestone of claiming 500 Test wickets by dismissing England opener Zak Crawley on the second day of the match. However, news of his mother’s deteriorating health reached him later that day, prompting him to rush back to Chennai without delay. India faced the challenge of playing an entire third day with only four primary bowlers before Ashwin’s return on the fourth day.
Ashwin’s mother’s words upon regaining consciousness
Reflecting on the poignant moment at the hospital, Ashwin recounted his mother’s words upon regaining consciousness.
“When I landed and got to the hospital, my mom was slipping in and out of consciousness, and the first thing she asked me was, “Why did you come?” The next time she was conscious, she said, “I think you should go back because the Test match is happening,”stated Ashwin, speaking to ESPN’s Cricket Monthly.
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Acknowledging the pivotal role his family played in nurturing his cricketing dreams, Ashwin expressed gratitude towards his parents, grandfather and aunt.
Recalling their unwavering support, the veteran spinner revealed: “It is very difficult to find a family like me, my dad and mom. I’ve forgotten to add two other members: my grandfather and my aunt. We used to live in a joint family. For about eight years, my granddad used to bring my cricket kit, my cricket clothes, milk and all and just stand outside the ground or spread a newspaper and sit on the ground, and make sure that everything was going right, because both my parents were working. If I came back home, my aunt would be the caretaker. She would provide what I needed.”
As Ashwin gears up for his milestone Test, his family’s support and encouragement continue to be a source of strength, shaping his journey both on and off the cricket field.
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