The Rajkot Test against England in February 2024 was quite a frantic game to participate for former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin.

On Day 2 of the match, Ashwin dismissed the visiting opener Zak Crawley to claim his 500th Test wicket, becoming just the second Indian after the legendary Anil Kumble to achieve this feat.

Hours after the second day’s play, however, Ashwin was forced to withdraw from the Rajkot Test due to a family medical emergency.

Ashwin rejoined the Indian team in Rajkot on Day 4 of the third Test after attending his family in Chennai. He got rid of Tom Hartley in the fourth innings as India hammered England by 434 runs to register their biggest victory in Test cricket (in terms of runs).

Speaking during the launch of the third episode of Chennai Super Kings' player documentary series, Ashwin recounted the emotional rollercoaster surrounding his 500th Test scalp.

"I had taken 500 wickets at that time in Tests. But I didn't get a call from my mother, father or wife. I thought I'll finish all the press conferences… I was replying to messages, but there was no call or message from my family," Ashwin said.

"I was very surprised. Or maybe I thought they are allowing me to take my space. I tried calling as well and there was no response."

The legendary off-spinner revealed that his wife finally got in touch him at the hotel and made him aware of the situation. Ashwin was ready to leave Rajkot immediately but faced logistical challenges.

"There was no flight immediately, and I was in Rajkot. The match was in the balance. Ben Duckett had scored a fantastic century. But Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid immediately asked me to go," he said.

"When the captain and coach are so supportive, I felt like I wanted to come back. I play for people who value me."

Ashwin called time on his international career in December last year, finishing as India’s second highest wicket-taker (537 scalps) in Test cricket, only behind Anil Kumble’s record tally of 619 dismissals.