IND vs. ENG: As spinners depart the Rajkot Test midway, Harbhajan Singh offers condolences for Ravichandran Ashwin’s family.

Former cricketer Harbhajan Singh of India has sent Ashwin his best wishes and prayers in the meantime. The 43-year-old wished Ashwin’s family well on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Wizard of spins In order to handle a family emergency in Chennai, Ravichandran Ashwin withdrew from the third Test against England, which is currently underway in Rajkot. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has urged supporters to respect Ashwin’s privacy while expressing their support for him.

Greetings, @ashwinravi99 You’ve brought happiness to 1.4 billion Indians with your accomplishments over the years, and I join all of them in wishing you and your family the very best,” Harbhajan wrote on ‘X’.

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 Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) February 16, 2024

Ashwin made history on the second day of the third Test match, becoming the second Indian cricket player, after Anil Kumble, to amass 500 wickets in a Test match. Many players, including Yusuf Pathan, Nathan Lyon, Gautam Gambhir, and Sachin Tendulkar, praised him and left a message for Ashwin, wishing him and his family well.

I’d like to congratulate @ashwinravi99 on 500 Test wickets! great accomplishment in cricket. I heard you had a family issue and quit the game. I hope all is ok. Pathan wrote on “X,” “#INDvENG.”

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

— Yusuf Pathan (@iamyusufpathan) February 16, 2024

In charge of the Rajkot Test is England

Following their 445-run batting bundle of the hosts, England got off to a quick start. Ben Duckett, the opener, struck a brilliant century in Rajkot and appeared unstoppable. By the end of the second day, the visitors were down 207/2, and Ollie Pope was there to provide him with the needed support. With the exception of Rohit Sharma, India’s top order was unimpressive at the bat, but England gained the upper hand when they took advantage of the new ball.

On Day 3, the hosts will need to take some early wickets in order to have a chance to win the game. It won’t be an easy challenge without Ashwin, but Jasprit Bumrah—who has been Rohit’s go-to man in this Test series—will be the center of attention.