Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) provided good news to the fans as Ravichandran Ashwin is on his way back to rejoin the Indian team for the ongoing third Test in Rajkot.

Ashwin had withdrawn himself from the match after the second day's play and flew home to Chennai to attend his mother who was unwell. Incidentally he had completed the special milestone of 500 Test wickets on the same day.

In a media release on Sunday (February 18), BCCI said: “The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is pleased to announce the return of R Ashwin to the squad after a brief absence due to a family emergency. Ashwin, had to temporarily withdraw from the squad after Day 2 of the 3rd Test in Rajkot to attend to a family emergency.

Both R Ashwin and the team management are pleased to confirm that he will be back in action on Day 4 and will continue to contribute towards the team cause in the ongoing Test match.

The team management, players, media and fans have shown immense understanding and empathy, acknowledging the importance of family as a priority. The team and its supporters have stood united in support of Ashwin during this challenging period, and the management is delighted to welcome him back to the field.

Ashwin and his family kindly request privacy as they navigate through these challenging times.”

Ashwin will be allowed to bowl immediately in the second innings, despite not taking the field on the third day, as was confirmed by Dinesh Karthik, who is part of the commentary team.