R Ashwin first Indian to withdraw from IPL 2021 amid COVID-19

R Ashwin IPL: The increasing scare of Covid-19 has affected the ongoing Indian Premier League. After a couple of overseas players left the IPL 2021 to return home, R Ashwin has become the first Indian cricketer to withdraw from IPL 2021 due to Covid-19.

R Ashwin withdraws from IPL 2021

The Delhi Capitals player announced his decision on Twitter. He said in a tweet that he would be taking a break from this years IPL from tomorrow.

Ashwin stated that his family and extended family are putting up a fight against #COVID19 and he wants to support them during these tough times.

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The off-spinner however, hasn’t closed all doors. He also noted that he expects to return to play if things go in the right direction. Ashwin also thanked his franchise Delhi Capitals.

I would be taking a break from this years IPL from tomorrow. My family and extended family are putting up a fight against #COVID19 and I want to support them during these tough times. I expect to return to play if things go in the right direction. Thank you @DelhiCapitals ??

— Stay home stay safe! Take your vaccine?? (@ashwinravi99) April 25, 2021

Delhi Capitals have acknowledged Ashwin’s decision. The franchise updated the fans with Ashwin’s decision and stated that they extend him their full support.

? UPDATE ?

Ravichandran Ashwin has decided to take a break from #IPL2021 to support his family in the fight against #COVID19, with the option to return should things get better.

We at Delhi Capitals extend him our full support ?#YehHaiNayiDilli pic.twitter.com/A9BFoPkz7b

— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) April 25, 2021

Other Indian cricketers to follow Ashwin?

According to a cricket news portal, two Aussie cricketers have told their franchise that they wish to return to their home. The situation in Australia is worsening and there could be tough travel regulations in the coming days. Hence, the Aussie cricketers are thinking about returning home.

So far, there has been no official news about any other Indian cricketer withdrawing from IPL due to Covid-19. However, if the situation continues to be as grim as it is for now, more cricketers could join Ashwin.

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Former cricketers and fans support Ashwin

Former cricketers, other celebrities and fans have supported Ashwin’s decision. They replied to Ashwin’s tweet and expressed their support to the Indian cricketer.

Go well Ash. Hope your family and the whole situation in the country gets better soon.

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) April 25, 2021

Best Wishes Ravi. Respect the choice you’re making and looking forward to seeing you back in action soon ?

— Aatif Nawaz (@AatifNawaz) April 25, 2021

Tough decision, but the right one bro.

Family comes first & everything else later.

Afterall, cricket is just a game & IPL is just a tournament.

Wishes, prayers & thoughts with you Ashwin ?

Stay strong ?#IPL2021 #ravichandranashwin #Ashwin #COVID19

— THE ROCKSTAR (@VivJonty) April 26, 2021