Indian team wears black arm bands on Day 3 of third Test against England

On Day 3 of the third Test against England at the Niranjan Shah Cricket Stadium in Rajkot, Team India players were observed wearing black armbands. The Indian Cricket Board revealed that the Indian players would be donning black armbands in honor of former India captain and the nation's oldest Test cricketer, Dattajirao Gaekwad. Gaekwad played in 11 Tests from 1952 to 1961 and led the team during the 1959 tour of England. As a right-handed batter, he amassed 350 Test runs at an average of 18.42.

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The renowned for his exceptional defensive skills and powerful drives, Gaekwad also left a lasting impression as a versatile fielder. His international debut came under the captaincy of Vijay Hazare at Leeds in 1952, marking India's maiden tour of England following independence. Gaekwad succumbed to age-related ailments on February 13 while being treated in the ICU of a Baroda hospital. He is survived by his son, Anshuman Gaekwad, a former Indian player and head coach.

“Team India will be wearing black arm bands in memory of Dattajirao Gaekwad, former India captain and India’s oldest Test cricketer who passed away recently,” the Indian Cricket Board said in a statement on Saturday.

#TeamIndia will be wearing black arm bands in memory of Dattajirao Gaekwad, former India captain and India’s oldest Test cricketer who passed away recently.#INDvENG | @IDFCFIRSTBank

— BCCI (@BCCI) February 17, 2024

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Ravichandran Ashwin to miss third Test due to family emergency

During the 3rd Test against England, India faced yet another setback as Ravichandran Ashwin, who has been pivotal player for the home team, had to depart due to a family emergency. Ashwin reached a significant milestone on Friday, claiming his 500th Test wicket with the dismissal of opener Zak Crawley. He was on the verge of becoming the third off-spinner and the second-fastest after Muthiah Muralidharan to achieve this feat.

Former captain Virat Kohli's absence in the first two matches and subsequent withdrawal from the remaining three also dealt a blow to the team. Now, without the 37-year-old bowling all-rounder, Rohit Sharma faces another challenge, given Ashwin's crucial role as a key spinner. The Indian Cricket Board has refrained from probing into Ashwin's decision and has urged fans and media to respect his privacy while offering full support during this trying time.