IPL 2021: R Ashwin Reveals Why He Quit Delhi Capitals IPL Season Midway

Ravichandran Ashwin IPL 2021: Ravichandran Ashwin was the first big-name player to take a break from IPL 2021 citing Covid-19 fears. The off-spinner last played in Delhi Capitals’ super-over win over Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 25. Less than 24 hours later, the news broke that the 34-year was opting out of the IPL 2021 season midway. Though it was a blow to IPL and DC both, no one can argue against Ashwin’s decision because currently we are living in unprecedented times and there are always things that are far bigger than sports.

Ravichandran Ashwin IPL 2021

On April 26, Ashwin took to his Twitter account to reveal that he was going to take a break from IPL 2021.

“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. @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 ??

— Ashwin ?? (@ashwinravi99) April 25, 2021

A month later, on May 27, Ashwin posted a video on his official YouTube channel and divulge why he decided to leave the IPL 2021 season midway.

The former Chennai Super Kings bowler revealed that his family members contracted the virus and he couldn’t sleep for 8-9 days as a few of his cousins were serious.

“Almost everyone from my place had got affected due to COVID. In fact, few of my cousins also got admitted and were serious and they somehow recovered. I couldn’t sleep for almost 8-9 days. Since I couldn’t sleep, it was really stressful for me. I was playing matches without getting any sleep. And since I found it really taxing, I had to quit IPL and go home midway. In fact, when I left, around that time, I had thoughts on whether I will be able to play cricket thereafter. But still, I did what was required at that point of time.”

Ashwin later revealed that after his family recovered from Covid-19, he was planning to return to IPL 2021 with Delhi Capitals, but the season was postponed following a flurry of positive cases inside the bio-bubble.

Related: IPL 2021 To Be Played Without Foreign Players?

IPL 2021 New Schedule:

On May 4, BCCI officially postponed the IPL 2021 season due to the rising cases of Covid-19, both in the country and inside IPL’s bio-bubble.

Will Jofra Archer Make A Return With Rajasthan Royals In IPL 2021 Phase 2?

But the remainder of the season, 31 matches to be precise, is likely to be played in the September-October window, right after India’s five-match Test tour of England.

UAE is going to be the venue, with Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi likely to be the venue.

And with the schedule id packed, there are reports that the IPL new schedule will have 10 double headers, 7 single matchdays and 4 playoffs games.