Rohit asked Kamlesh to accompany me on the flight to Chennai, despite him being one of only two physios in the team: Ashwin

During the third Test match against England in Rajkot last month, Ravichandran Ashwin, Team India’s leading off-spinner, faced a challenging ordeal. Ashwin had to abruptly withdraw from the game due to a medical emergency at home – his mother had collapsed after suffering a severe headache.

The off-spinner, who had just celebrated his milestone 500th wicket earlier in the day, initially interacted with the press as usual. However, later in the evening, the BCCI announced his departure from the side. Despite the personal turmoil, Ashwin rejoined the team on the fourth day of the Test and contributed with a wicket in the second innings as India clinched a record 434-run victory.

In a candid video shared on his official YouTube channel, Ashwin recounted the events of that fateful day and the support he received from teammates Rohit Sharma and Cheteshwar Pujara.

Ravichandran Ashwin sharing a touching story about Rohit helping him to get back to Chennai to see his family during tough situation.

– Rohit, an unbelievable human being 🫡pic.twitter.com/ziYsuQU4DX

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) March 12, 2024

Ashwin expressed his gratitude towards Rohit Sharma, who upon learning of the situation, urged him to leave immediately and arranged for a chartered flight back home. Additionally, Rohit ensured that the team physio, Kamlesh Jain, accompanied Ashwin on the flight, demonstrating exceptional leadership and empathy.

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Moved by Rohit’s gesture, Ashwin praised his captain’s qualities and expressed his willingness to go to any lengths for him on the field. He highlighted Rohit’s unwavering support and emphasized the captain’s ability to back his players wholeheartedly, even in personal matters.

“I just blanked out. I don’t remember what I did, but I was crying. I didn’t know what to ask her. I didn’t want anyone to see me cry – it was an instinctive reaction. I just sat alone in my room, not knowing what to do.”

“I think since I wasn’t answering my phone, my wife must have called Rohit and Dravid to tell them the news. Rohit came in, saw me thinking, and just said, ‘what are you doing? You need to leave right away. Please just pack your bags and go’,” revealed Ashwin.

Ashwin also revealed that Rohit insisted the team physio, Kamlesh Jain, accompany the spinner on the flight back to Chennai.

“Our team physio Kamlesh Jain is a good friend. Rohit told Kamlesh to accompany me on the flight to Chennai, despite Kamlesh being one of only two physios in the team.

“I told Kamlesh, ‘it’s ok, please stay back’. But when I went to the board the flight, Kamlesh and a security person was already there. Not just that, but Rohit regularly kept calling Kamlesh to check in on me and see how I’m doing. That deeply moved me. In a selfish society like ours, that man who decides to take a moment to think of someone else’s wellbeing, he’s truly great.”

Naturally, the gesture from Rohit had a deep effect on Ashwin and the 37-year-old lauded the India captain’s leadership abilities, thanking him for the support through the difficult time.

“Rohit is a special person, an outstanding leader, with a golden heart. I saw it first-hand. I’d give my life for him on the field, that’s the kind of captain he is. It’s because of these qualities that he’s won so many titles, including five IPLs. I pray to God that Rohit achieves even more in his career and life,” said Ashwin.

“My respect for him (grew more)…I already have a lot of respect for him. If he believes in a player then he backs that player. It’s not an easy thing. Even Dhoni does that. But he (Rohit) has taken 10 steps more. When it gets so personal like this, a player can even give his life on the field,” said Ashwin, appreciating all the help that Rohit provided.

The emotional journey during the third Test showcased not only Ashwin’s resilience but also the camaraderie and support within the Indian cricket team, epitomized by the actions of Rohit Sharma and his teammates.