Rohit Sharma’s captaincy came under severe criticism after England scored at a rapid rate in the last two sessions of the second day’s play in the ongoing third Test against India at Rajkot.

Riding on Ben Duckett’s swashbuckling century, the visitors ended the second day on 207/2 in 35 overs, trailing India by 238 runs. The left-handed opener slammed 133* off just 118 balls, hitting 21 boundaries and two sixes.

In particular, Rohit received the flak for not bringing R Ashwin early into the attack despite the off-spinner’s impressive record against Duckett. Ashwin has dismissed the southpaw five times in as many Test matches.

After scoring a quickfire 39-ball half-century, Duckett gained momentum and took the Indian bowling attack to the cleaners. He reached the three-figure mark in just 98 deliveries.

Addressing the media after the close of play on Day 2, Ashwin also said that he would have liked to bowl at Ben Duckett when the latter was batting on 0 rather than 60-70.

"I would have really liked to bowl at him when he was at 0 and not at 60-70 runs. He is a very different player to bowl at when he is at 60-70 runs for sure. A couple of slog sweeps that he hit were really special. But again, Ben Duckett is a phenomenal talent for England, he has made a wonderful hundred today. I wanted to clap for Ben Duckett but I didn't. The hardcore competitor in me did not allow me to clap, but nevertheless, come the next time, I will again try to take him on," Ashwin said in the post-day presser.

Unfortunately for India, Ashwin had to withdraw from the ongoing third Test against England due to a family emergency.

Hours after the end of play, the BCCI posted a message confirming that Ashwin would take no further part in the Rajkot Test.

“Ravichandran Ashwin has withdrawn from the Test squad, effective immediately due to a family medical emergency. In these challenging times, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the team fully supports Ashwin,” the BCCI said in a media release.

Later, BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla revealed on social media that Ashwin had to rush to Chennai to be with his ailing mother.

Notably, Ashwin played a handy knock with the bat on Day 2 in Rajkot, scoring 37 runs with six boundaries en route to his 77-run partnership with debutant Dhruv Jurel for the eighth wicket. His knock helped India post a strong total of 445/10 in their first innings.

Later, Ashwin dismissed Zak Crawley to claim his 500th Test scalp, becoming just the second Indian after the legendary Anil Kumble to achieve this feat.