Ravindra Jadeja recently disclosed that he was informed about Ravichandran Ashwin’s decision to retire from international cricket just five minutes before the official announcement. Ashwin’s retirement came after the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia at the Gabba, leaving his teammates and fans equally surprised.
“No Hints from Ashwin”
Jadeja expressed his astonishment while addressing reporters at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). “It was shocking. We spent the whole day together, and he didn’t give me the slightest hint. I got to know about it only five minutes before the press conference,” Jadeja said.
Ashwin, who ended his illustrious career with 537 Test wickets, formed a formidable bowling duo with Jadeja. The pair played 58 Tests together, accumulating a combined total of 587 wickets, surpassing the legendary duo of Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh, who took 501 wickets together.
Ashwin: The “On-Field Mentor”
Jadeja described Ashwin as his “on-field mentor,” highlighting their strong camaraderie and mutual understanding. “We have been playing together for so many years. On the field, we constantly exchanged ideas about the match situation and strategies against batters. I will miss all of that,” Jadeja remarked.
Reflecting on Ashwin’s retirement, Jadeja believes it is now time for younger players to seize the opportunity. “No player is irreplaceable. While we will miss Ashwin, India has always been blessed with talent. It’s a golden chance for a youngster to step up and fill the void,” he added.
Contributions Beyond Bowling
Ashwin and Jadeja were not only pivotal with the ball but also often delivered with the bat in challenging situations. Their latest heroics came earlier this year in the Chennai Test against Bangladesh, where they stitched a crucial partnership.
Jadeja himself played a significant role in the ongoing series against Australia, scoring a vital 77 in the third Test to help India secure a draw. “Scoring under pressure gives you immense confidence,” he said. “I always try to adapt to the match situation and play according to the team’s needs.”
Boxing Day Test Awaits
With the Border-Gavaskar Trophy tied at 1-1, India and Australia are set to face off in the highly anticipated Boxing Day Test at the MCG on December 26, 2024. Jadeja and his teammates will aim to honor Ashwin’s legacy by delivering a memorable performance in his absence.
