Ravichandran Ashwin joins list of IPL withdrawals as Covid-19 cases surge in India

Ravichandran Ashwin joins list of IPL withdrawals as Covid-19 cases surge in India

Ravichandran Ashwin is taking a break from the Indian Premier League to support his family as coronavirus cases surge in India.

Ashwin is the fourth player to withdraw from the tournament in recent days after Australia leg-spinner Adam Zampa and fast bowler Kane Richardson have joined compatriot Andrew Tye in cutting short their IPL season and heading home.

India off-spinner Ashwin said: "I would be taking a break from this years IPL from tomorrow. My family and extended family are putting up a fight against Covid-19 and I want to support them during these tough times. I expect to return to play if things go in the right direction."

Tye, who was with the Rajasthan Royals, flew to Sydney on Sunday via Mumbai and Doha, citing the "stress of bubble life" and concerns about borders closing in Australia.

"I just thought I should try and get on the front foot and get home before I got locked out of the country," he told Australian radio station SEN.

"I think I've had 11 days at home and out of the bubble since August.

"There's definitely concerns," Tye added. "A lot of guys have been in touch today once they've realised I was leaving. Some of the guys are very interested in