ICC Rules: India’s Substitute Player for Ashwin? Slim Chance, Subject to Ben Stokes’ Approval
R Ashwin’s absence poses a significant challenge for the Indian side, especially in the bowling department. With the team now down to three frontline bowlers, including Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav as the remaining spin options, the burden on the remaining players is likely to increase.
Picture credit: NDTV Sports
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India’s off-spinner, Ravichandran Ashwin, has made an unexpected departure from the ongoing third Test against England in Rajkot due to a family medical emergency. This development leaves the Indian team short-handed, with only ten players available for the remainder of the match.
Ashwin’s absence poses a significant challenge for the Indian side, especially in the bowling department. With the team now down to three frontline bowlers, including Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav as the remaining spin options, the burden on the remaining players is likely to increase.
According to Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) – the guardian of the Laws of the game, a substitute fielder can be permitted in cases of injury, illness, or other valid reasons. However, such a substitute cannot participate in batting or bowling duties, further limiting India’s options on the field. As Ashwin did not sustain an injury or fall ill during the match, India’s inclusion of a substitute fielder in Rajkot is contingent upon the approval of England’s captain, Ben Stokes.
According to the playing conditions, a full replacement for a player is exclusively permitted in the case of a concussion injury incurred on the field. Even if Ashwin had been sidelined due to any other injury, India wouldn’t have been entitled to select a replacement. Only concussion substitutes are authorized to bat and bowl.
However, if India formally requests England and Stokes provides consent, there remains a slim possibility of Ashwin being substituted by either Washington Sundar or Axar Patel. These replacements would have the capability to both bowl and bat in the subsequent innings.The sudden departure of Ashwin, who has been a linchpin in India’s bowling lineup, underscores the unpredictable nature of sports and the personal challenges athletes face beyond the field.
As the match progresses, all eyes will be on how the Indian team adapts to the situation and manages to maintain their competitive edge against the formidable English side.