'A Lot Happened Between 500 And 501' - Ravichandran Ashwin's Wife pens down emotional note after spinner takes 500 Test wickets

The veteran Indian all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin achieved the remarkable milestone of reaching 500 wickets in Test cricket for the Indian team. However, the 37-year-old had little opportunity to celebrate as the legendary spinner was required to hastily return to Chennai on Day 3 of the Rajkot Test against England due to a family emergency.

Following his family obligations, Ashwin made a comeback on Day 4 of the match, managing to claim a wicket in his six-over spell while conceding just 19 runs. His remarkable resilience prompted his wife, Prithi, to share a heartfelt message on Instagram after he reached the milestone of 500 Test wickets.

"We chased the 500 at Hyderabad; it didn't happen. At Vizag, it didn't happen. So I just bought a ton of sweets and gave it to everyone at home at 499. 500 came and went quietly. Till it didn't. A lot happened between 500 and 501. Longest 48 hours of our lives. But this is about the 500. And the 499 before that. What a phenomenal achievement. What a phenomenal guy. I am insanely proud of you Ravi Ashwin. We love you!" Ashwin’s wife posted on Instagram. 

Ravi Ashwin's wife Prithi's Instagram story for Ashwin. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/ZBboomCY9m

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) February 18, 2024

He wanted to be with the family: Rohit Sharma

Discussing Ashwin's absence on the third day of the third Test, Indian skipper Rohit Sharma addressed the challenges faced by the team after losing one of their most experienced bowlers during the match. However, the India skipper also expressed understanding that family obligations should always take priority.

“When you lose your most experienced bowler in the middle of a Test match, it’s not easy. But everything aside, family comes first. And when we heard the news, there were no second thoughts in our minds that he should do what he felt was right,” Rohit said in the post-match press conference.

“He wanted to be with the family, which was absolutely the right thing to do. It was good for him, and to make way and be a part of the team shows his character and the kind of person he is. We were happy to have him back,” Rohit Sharma added.