Ravindra Jadeja revealed he was caught off guard when Ravichandran Ashwin announced his retirement from international cricket. The announcement came shortly after the third Test against Australia at the Gabba. Jadeja shared that he learned about Ashwin’s decision just five minutes before the press conference. Despite spending the entire day with Ashwin, there were no hints of the off-spinner’s impending announcement.
“It was shocking. We spent the whole day together, and he didn’t even give me a hint. I found out at the last minute,” Jadeja said at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). The duo formed one of the most successful bowling partnerships in Tests, taking a combined 587 wickets in 58 matches, surpassing the record held by Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh.
Ashwin as Jadeja’s Mentor
Jadeja acknowledged Ashwin as his “on-field mentor,” highlighting their exceptional camaraderie and understanding on the field. The left-arm spinner said Ashwin often guided him by passing critical match insights. He also praised Ashwin’s batting contributions, citing the Chennai Test against Bangladesh as a recent example of their partnership rescuing the team.
Reflecting on Ashwin’s departure, Jadeja noted, “I will miss all the on-field communication. He has been a guiding figure for me. But now, it’s a chance for young talents to step up and fill the void.” While recognizing Ashwin’s irreplaceable contributions, Jadeja emphasized the depth of Indian cricket and the inevitability of finding new talent.
Moving Forward
Jadeja’s confidence shone through as he discussed his mindset heading into future matches. His 77-run innings in the first innings of the Gabba Test, which helped India salvage a draw, boosted his morale. “Scoring runs under pressure when the team needs it most gives you immense confidence,” he said. Jadeja reaffirmed his commitment to adapting to match situations and fulfilling the team’s requirements. With the Border-Gavaskar Trophy tied, both teams now look forward to the Boxing Day Test at MCG, promising an exciting contest.
In Ashwin’s absence, the spotlight shifts to younger players who have the chance to establish themselves and carry forward India’s rich cricketing legacy.
Get the latest cricket news here, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagramfor more such updates.
