Veteran Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja expressed his heartfelt emotions about the absence of his long-time teammate and legendary spinner Ravichandran Ashwin during India’s first home Test since Ashwin’s retirement.
The duo had formed one of the most lethal spin partnerships in modern cricket, terrorising batters on Indian pitches for over a decade. However, following Ashwin’s farewell midway through the Border-Gavaskar Trophy last year, India fielded a spin attack without him.
In the opening Test against the West Indies in Ahmedabad, Jadeja partnered with Kuldeep Yadav and Washington Sundar instead. The match ended in less than three days, with India securing a dominant innings-and-140-run victory. Jadeja’s all-round brilliance, including an unbeaten 104 and match figures of 4/69, earned him the Player of the Match award.
“Obviously, I Miss Him” – Jadeja’s Emotional Reflection
After the emphatic win, Jadeja admitted that Ashwin’s absence was deeply felt throughout the match.
“Obviously, I miss him. He has made significant contributions to Indian cricket and has been a match-winner for many years. For the first time after many years, I played a Test without Ashwin on home turf. On a couple of occasions, I felt he would, but then I realised he is not here,” Jadeja revealed at the post-match press conference.
He also acknowledged the experience of his current spin partners, adding, “Washington and Kuldeep have played a lot of matches, so they can’t be considered youngsters.”
Reflecting on the inevitability of change in cricket, Jadeja concluded, “In a couple of years, you will say that I am not here, and someone else will come in my place, and this will happen and will continue to do so.”
Ashwin’s Glorious Legacy in Test Cricket
Ravichandran Ashwin’s absence marks the end of a golden chapter in Indian cricket. His final appearance came in the day-night Test at Adelaide Oval, where he contributed 29 runs and took a wicket.
Before his retirement, he was part of India’s surprising home series defeat to New Zealand, their first in 12 years. Ashwin’s illustrious career saw him feature in 106 Tests, claiming 537 wickets at an average of 24.00, with best figures of 7/59.
His record includes 37 five-wicket hauls and eight ten-wicket match performances. He ends his career as the eighth-highest wicket-taker in Test history and the second-highest for India, behind only Anil Kumble (619 wickets), cementing his status as one of the greatest spinners the game has ever seen.
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