How “Selfless” Rohit assisted Ashwin in seeing his ailing mother: “Even Dhoni Does That, but He Takes Ten Steps More”

Ravichandran Ashwin had to leave the squad in the middle of their match against England, having just taken his 500th Test wicket at Rajkot, in order to see his sick mother back in Chennai. In actuality, the seasoned off-spinner returned to the squad prior to the hosts recording their largest-ever margin of victory against the English side in Test history.

When India was in the thick of the third Test of the series, nobody outside the squad understood the specifics of what Ashwin went through. The 37-year-old, nevertheless, has now spoken up about the same thing and disclosed the whole story, thanking skipper Rohit Sharma in particular for his unwavering support.

Ashwin revealed on his YouTube channel how the Indian skipper assisted him in resolving the difficult decision of whether or not to quit his squad at a critical point.

“I inquired as to her condition and consciousness. It seems that the doctor informed me that she was not in a position to see patients. I began to cry. I tried to get a flight, but I was unable to. Since there are no further flights from Rajkot airport after six, it shuts down at that time. I had no idea what to do. When Rahul (Dravid) Bhai and Rohit (Sharma) arrived in my room, Rohit essentially told me to stop thinking and go spend time with my family. Additionally, he was attempting to set up a charter flight for me, Ashwin said.

“My very dear buddy Kamlesh is the team physiotherapist. I persuaded Rohit to remain behind, even though he was begging me to go to Chennai and be with me. Kamlesh and the security guards were waiting for me as I descended. While we were traveling to the airport, Kamlesh received a call from Rohit requesting to actually be with him during this difficult moment, as well as to check up on me. The time was 9:30 p.m. I was just in disbelief.

I am unable to even consider it. I could only communicate with those two individuals. And if there was no one there? I just had the notion that, even as captain, I would order my guys to return home. Not a second thought about it. But will I be giving folks calls to see how he’s doing? I’m not sure. Incredible. That day, I saw an exceptional leader in Rohit Sharma,” he said.

“After that, my respect for him increased greatly.”

Ashwin expressed his overwhelming gratitude to Rohit for his generosity, saying that someone who considers

I’ve played under a number of captains and leaders, and I think Rohit has potential—if only because of his pure heart. He shares Dhoni’s record of five IPL victories, according to Ashwin.

God does not make things simple. God is going to offer him something greater than all of that. Men who consider the welfare of others are rare in today’s self-centered world. That really increased my regard for him. He is a leader that I already respect since he always supports a player, even in the most dire circumstances. It’s not a simple task. Dhoni even engages in it. But he goes ten steps beyond,” he said.