Ravindra Jadeja recently opened up about the unexpected retirement of Ravichandran Ashwin from international cricket. Ashwin had made the startling announcement right after the third Test between India and Australia at the Gabba, leaving one and all shocked, including Jadeja.
Ravindra Jadeja, who has shared the field with Ravichandran Ashwin for years, was especially taken aback because the two spinners had spent the entire day together in Brisbane, but the former Indian all-rounder didn’t give any hint of such a big decision to him.
He didn’t even give me a hint: Ravindra Jadeja on Ravichandran Ashwin’s retirement
Notably, Jadeja and Ashwin formed an exceptional partnership for India and dominated Test cricket over the years together. They played 58 matches together, taking a combined 587 wickets, making them India’s most successful bowling pair in Test cricket, surpassing legendary spinners Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh.
Despite their years of camaraderie and partnership, Ravindra Jadeja got to know about Ravichandran Ashwin’s decision to retire from international cricket five minutes before the press conference, where he gave the shocker after India drew the third Test against Australia at The Gabba.
Ravindra Jadeja told reporters at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Saturday (December 21): “I got to know about the retirement at the last moment, five minutes before the press conference. It was shocking. We spent the whole day together, and he didn’t even give me a hint. I got to know at the last minute. We all know how Ashwin’s mind works.”
Ravichandran Ashwin played with me like an on-field mentor: Ravindra Jadeja
Meanwhile, Ravindra Jadeja has acknowledged the significant impact Ravichandran Ashwin had on his career. The Indian all-rounder highlighted how Ashwin played a dual role as both a mentor and a bowling partner on the field, guiding him through various match situations.
The left-arm spinner also recalled how they often exchanged strategies and insights about the pitch, match conditions, and planned to tackle opposing batters. He admitted that Ashwin’s absence would leave a significant void in the Indian cricket team dynamic, and he will miss his bowling partner.
Despite the off-spinner’s emotional retirement, Jadeja emphasized the importance of moving forward and adapting to changes. He also hopes that India will find a strong replacement who can contribute as both a spinner and an all-rounder.
Hopefully, we get a good replacement for him: Ravindra Jadeja
Jadeja further added, “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.”
Well, Ashwin and Jadeja’s partnership ended in the international arena, but fans can look forward to their reunion in the IPL 2025 when they will turn up together for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK).
Jadeja, who was retained by CSK for INR 18 crore, will team up with Ashwin, who returned to the franchise after the five-time champions snapped him up for INR 9.75 crore at the IPL 2025 auction.