Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has pulled out of the ongoing Test series against England due to a family emergency.
"Ravichandran Ashwin has withdrawn from the Test squad, effective immediately due to a family medical emergency," the BCCI said in a press release on Friday.
"In these challenging times, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the team fully supports Ashwin.
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"The BCCI extends its heartfelt support to the champion cricketer and his family. The health and well-being of the players and their loved ones are of utmost importance. The Board requests respect for the privacy of Ashwin and his family as they navigate through this challenging time.
"The Board and the team will continue to provide any necessary assistance to Ashwin and will keep the lines of communication open to offer support as needed. Team India appreciates the understanding and empathy of the fans and media during this sensitive period," the release added.
According to BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla, Ashwin has rushed back home to be with his mother, who was admitted to hospital.
Can India replace Ashwin in the middle of the Test Match? What does the ICC rule say?
The substitute rules that govern the ICC World Test Championship are as follows:
Nomination and replacement of players
1.2.1 Each captain shall nominate 11 players plus a maximum of 6 substitute fielders in writing to the ICC Match Referee before the toss. Other than as set out in clauses 1.2.7 and 1.2.8, no player (member of the playing eleven) may be changed after the nomination without the consent of the opposing captain.
1.2.2 Only those nominated as substitute fielders shall be entitled to act as substitute fielders during the match, unless the ICC Match Referee, in exceptional circumstances, allows subsequent additions.
1.2.3 All those nominated including those nominated as substitute fielders, as well as any Concussion Replacements and COVID-19 Replacements, must be eligible to play for that particular team and by such nomination, the nominees shall warrant that they are so eligible.
Can Ravichandran Ashwin come back and play for India at Rajkot?
According to the latest developments, India off spinner Ravichandran Ashwin will be allowed to rejoin and contribute in the ongoing Test against England in Rajkot.
India wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik, who is currently working as a commentator in the India-England Test series, revealed on air that Ashwin can rejoin the team on the field whenever he is ready, adding that he will be allowed to bat or bowl straightaway.
Late on Friday (February 16), news broke out that Ashwin had withdrawn from the Rajkot Test after his mother's health condition worsened.
According to rules, India wouldn't be allowed to field a substitute who could bowl or bat in Ashwin's place, as those substitutes are only allowed in case of concussions or if the said player has contracted COVID-19. Devdutt Padikkal took the field in Ashwin's place on Day 3 on Saturday (February 17).