Ravi Ashwin can come anytime during this Test and bowl straightaway: Dinesh Karthik

During the ongoing third Test between India and England at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot, the Indian cricket team faced a setback when their seasoned off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin had to abruptly leave the game and fly back to his hometown, Chennai due to his mother's illness. This unexpected departure raised doubts about Ashwin's participation in the remainder of the match.

Under normal circumstances, the absence of a player like Ashwin could severely impact the team's performance. However, Indian wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik brought a glimmer of hope when he provided a significant update on Ashwin's availability during the match.

Karthik, who is currently working as a commentator in the Test series, revealed that Ashwin would be permitted to rejoin the team whenever he is ready, and would be allowed to both bat and bowl. 

“Ravi Ashwin can come anytime during this Test Match and bowl straightaway. The umpires have given Ashwin that favor,” Dinesh Karthik said on air.

Furthermore, Karthik mentioned that the umpires had granted Ashwin the flexibility to return to the match seamlessly. This meant that Ashwin could make a comeback at any point during the Test match and contribute to the team's success.

The decision to allow Ashwin to rejoin the game was made by the umpires, with the agreement of the opposing team's captain. According to MCC's rule 24.1 and sub-rules 24.1.1 and 24.1.2, India won’t be permitted to field a substitute player who could bat or bowl in Ashwin’s absence, as it can be allowed only when a concussion substitute or the player is contracted with COVID-19.

Devdutt Padikkal joined the team on Day 3 on Saturday, February 17. Padikkal, on the other hand, is not permitted to bat or bowl in the ongoing Rajkot Test match against England. Ashwin's absence was deeply felt especially considering he became the second Indian bowler, after Anil Kumble, to pick 500 or more Test wickets. 

Also read: Ravichandran Ashwin gives stern reply to Alastair Cook's disturbing the pitch allegations