Delhi Capitals‘ Ravichandran Ashwin has decided to withdraw from the ongoing IPL season to support his family during the COVID-19 pandemic. The offspinner took on Twitter to announce his decision on Sunday. 

Also read: ‘Unless he was in toilet’: SRH not sending Bairstow in super over leaves Twitter baffled

“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 tweeted.

Ashwin’s withdrawal comes as India is battling a fatal wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Indian Premier League is being held behind closed doors and is restricted to six venues. 

Also read: ‘Giving PTSD to RCB’: Twitter lits up after Ravindra Jadeja’s 37 runs in an over

Delhi said they supported the decision taken by Ashwin.

“Extending our full support to you in these difficult times, @ashwinravi99 Sending you and your family all the strength and prayers from all of us at Delhi Capitals,” the team tweeted.

Ashwin 34, has picked one wicket in five matches of the 2021 season so far. He joined the Capitals in 2020.

The former Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) skipper has played 77 Tests in a 10-year international career as well as 111 ODIs and 46 T20 Internationals.

He has 409 Test wickets, one of just 16 bowlers in history to break the 400-mark.

Ashwin’s Twitter handle is titled, ‘Stay home stay safe! Take your vaccine’ – an attempt to spread awareness. 

India reported 3,52,991 cases and 2812 deaths in the last 24 hours.