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Ravichandran Ashwin was back on the field after Tea of the third Test of the five-match series at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium, now known as Niranjan Shah Stadium, in Rajkot on Sunday.

Former India coach Ravi Shastri, who was honoued by Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) with the Colonel CK Nayadu Lifetime Achievement Award, lauded BCCI for organising a charter place for the Indian off-spinner.

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Ashwin had left for Chennai hours after reaching the coveted milestone of 500 Test wickets on the second day of the match.

“The BCCI secretary Jay Shah organised a charter to take him home and bring him back. I think that’s the kind of empathy that’s needed from the BCCI as well. There are the guardians of Indian cricket and with this kind of empathy, they will go a long, long way. It also makes the players feel they belong and are special,” Ravi Shastri said during on commentary.

Ashwin did not incur any ‘Penalty time’ for his absence on the third day as per the ICC’s Playing Conditions.

As per ICC’s clause 24.3.2, “A nominated player’s absence will not incur Penalty time if, in the opinion of umpires, if the player has left the field for other wholly acceptable reason, which shall not include illness or internal injury.”

Ashwin, who arrived in Rajkot on Sunday afternoon, was seen going through the drills during the tea break.

Earlier, the BCCI confirmed during the first session of the fourth day about Ashwin rejoining national duty.

“The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is pleased to announce the return of Ravichandran Ashwin to the squad after a brief absence due to a family emergency. Ashwin had to temporarily withdraw from the squad after Day 2 of the 3rd Test in Rajkot to attend to a family emergency,” BCCI said in a statement.

“Both R Ashwin and the team management are pleased to confirm that he will be back in action on Day 4 and will continue to contribute towards the team’s cause in the ongoing Test match,” the statement added.

BCCI also lauded every stakeholder for showing empathy during a critical phase for the star cricketer.

“The team management, players, media and fans have shown immense understanding and empathy, acknowledging the importance of family as a priority. The team and its supporters have stood united in support of Ashwin during this challenging period, and the management is delighted to welcome him back to the field.

“Ashwin and his family kindly request privacy as they navigate through these challenging times.”

(With inputs from Agencies)