Ravindra Jadeja revealed that he was ‘shocked’ after he got to know about Ashwin’s retirement five minutes before the press conference, where he announced his retirement.
Jadeja believes that he will miss his on-field mentor Ravichandran Ashwin but also understands the need to move forward following Ashwin’s retirement from international cricket.
Jaddu and Ashwin built one of the most formidable spin duos in Test cricket. Playing 58 test matches together, Ashwin and Jadeja have picked 587 wickets, surpassing the legendary spin duo of Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh who has 510 wickets as a pair.
Ashwin and Jadeja’s combination has been instrumental in India’s dominance in-home tests.
The spin has terrorised opposition batter with their precision, strategy and ability to exploit favorable conditions. Their partnership not only dominated in home conditions but also contributed significantly in overseas tests.
“He played with me like an on-field mentor. Over the years, he played with me as a bowling partner. We kept passing messages to each other about the ground conditions, match situation and the plans against batters.”
“I will miss all these things for sure. Hopefully, we get a good replacement for him, as a spinner and an all-rounder,” told Ravindra Jadeja told the reporters at MCG.
Ashwin has made his international retirement on Thursday, after the third match concluded in a draw at Brisbane.
The senior spinner expressed confidence in India’s depth of talent, emphasising that the team would find a suitable replacement. “We have to move on. In India, it’s not like you won’t get someone who can replace him. Everybody knows we will get someone. It’s a good opportunity for a youngster who comes into the team and prove at this level.”
With the senior spinner in the test team, Jadeja believes the increased responsibility on his shoulders.
“Every bowler has his own plans and you need to adapt to the conditions and match situations. In India, yes (responsibility will increase). In overseas conditions, spinners play more of a support role.”
“I think my role will be similar to what I did in the last game. So it’s won’t be an issue here. But, yes, in India, when spinners have to do the bulk of the job, it increases,” Jadeja added.
Despite Ashwin and Jaddu parted ways in test cricket, fans will be thrilled to see the duo reunite for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in IPL 2025. Jadeja retained by CSK for INR 18 crore while Ashwin joined the franchise for INR 9.75 crore after a fierce bidding war at the auction.
Their partnership in the IPL is expected to bring back their experience for Chennai Super Kings during the 18th season.
