IND vs ENG: Harbhajan Singh sends prayers for Ravichandran Ashwin’s family as spinner leaves Rajkot Test midway

Spin wizard Ravichandran Ashwin pulled out from the ongoing third Test against England in Rajkot to attend to a family emergency in Chennai. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has extended their support towards Ashwin and asked the fans to respect his privacy.

Meanwhile, former India cricketer Harbhajan Singh has extended his wishes and prayers towards Ashwin. The 43-year-old took to X (formerly Twitter) to wish for the well-being of Ashwin’s family.

“Dear @ashwinravi99, Over the years you’ve given joy to 1.4 billion Indians with your achievements and I join each of those in sending wishes and prayers for the well-being of your family,” Harbhajan posted on ‘X’.

On Day 2 of the third Test, Ashwin created history by becoming only the second Indian cricketer after Anil Kumble to pick up 500 wickets in Test cricket. He was congratulated by many cricketers including Sachin Tendulkar, Gautam Gambhir, Nathan Lyon and Yusuf Pathan, who also posted a message for Ashwin, hoping that everything is okay with his family. 

“Big cheers to @ashwinravi99 for 500 Test wickets! Very big achievement in cricket. Heard you left the game for family reasons. Hope everything is okay. #INDvENG,” Pathan posted on ‘X’.

England in control of Rajkot Test

After bundling the hosts for 445 runs, England started rapidly with the bat. Opener Ben Duckett looked unstoppable as he smashed a cracking century in Rajkot. Ollie Pope supported him well in the middle as the visitors were 207/2 after the conclusion of Day 2. Barring Rohit Sharma, India’s top order looked ordinary with the bat but England capitalized against the new ball, which gave them the momentum.

For the hosts to make a comeback in the match, they will have to pick some early wickets on Day 3. In the absence of Ashwin, it won’t be an easy task but a lot of focus will be on Jasprit Bumrah, who has been Rohit’s go-to man in this Test series.