Ashwin's "Test" of Wavering Fortunes

Much drama has marked India’s currently-running third Test match against the visiting English side. Celebrated off-break bowler Ravichandran Ashwin found a place in the history books as only the second Indian to take 500 wickets (after Anil Kumble) in international cricket’s longest format. The 37-year old veteran of 98 tests reached this incredible landmark by removing English opener Zak Crawley on Day 2. But not one to be complacent, this extraordinary competitor said that the feat was “done and dusted” and that he wanted to continue focussing since a crucial game was “in the balance”. However, no sooner did Ashwin secure his major scalp and regroup for the play ahead, than worrying news from home reached him. 

The phone call from his native Chennai was so serious that the turbo-charged cricketer had to opt out of any further play in the Rajkot contest and hurry home. The Board for Cricket Control in India (BCCI) released a statement indicating that it had granted Ashwin leave due to a “medical emergency”, but refrained from providing any further details. The governing body's somewhat vague statement was perhaps issued in accordance with Ashwin’s wishes for discretion and privacy. But as Day 3 progressed on the field, sources off it ascertained that Ashwin’s mother had taken seriously ill. 

While several cricket stars like Virat Kohli and Yuvraj Singh credit their fathers for moulding them into international sportsmen, Ashwin names his mother Chitra as his driving force. According to interviews by the Deccan Chronicle, it was this strong-willed and visionary matriarch that got the young Ashwin to switch from pace-bowling to off-spin. This life-altering advice was based on close observation at his net sessions and written comments by coaches. Surprisingly, the senior Mr. Ravichandran who would take his son to and from practice and who had years of club cricket under his belt, played second fiddle in the consultancy department.

Hence, one will certainly be hoping and praying for the speedy recovery of Ashwin’s ailing Mom. After all, the dear lady is a talisman not only to the success of her son, but to the prosperity of the Indian Test Side. Her survival will continue to be crucial for both. In the meantime, the show has to go on and substituting for the absent Ashwin across the remainder of the 3rd Test is newcomer Devdutt Padikkal. However, this left-handed batsman who can bowl off-spin will not be able to function as Ashwin’s understudy. 

As per International Cricket Council (ICC) rules, Padikkal can only fill the shoes of a withdrawing player as a fielder or wicket-keeper. It goes without saying that this urgent adjustment will increase the burden on India’s other spinner in the Test - Kuldeep Yadav. Plus, selectors will have to look for more spin options ahead of the remaining two Tests in the series.

Adding to India’s woes, Yashasvi Jaiswal had to retire hurt from a back strain soon after hitting his second Test century, which was on Day 3. India will need all the good vibes possible from Ashwin while he sits beside his mother’s bed. But concerning her condition right now, it seems to be a case of “mum’s the word”... although it was precisely Ashwin’s Mum’s Word that has got him where he is today.