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Team India all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja on Saturday, December 21 addressed the media, covering several angles, espcially seeing to fill in the void of Ravichandran Ashwin, who retired from international cricket on Wednesday, December 21. Although, the Indian veteran accepted the move forward, he also hailed the efforts and opportunities Ashwin created.
However, Ashwin and Jadeja made one of the most formidable spin duos in Test cricket, Jadeja also hailed Ashwin as his “on-field mentor”, recognising that his presence cannot be replaced despite their will be plenty to fill in the role.
We have to move on: Jadeja on Ashwin’s retirement
The 36-year-old Indian all-rounder also expressed that these situations come and go and the team has to move on. When asked about sharing an excellent camaraderie, Jadeja told reporters at MCG, "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.”
"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,” he added. Moreover, Jadeja accepted that he will have increased responsibility in the side in Ashwin’s absence.
"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.
It is to be noted that Ashwin and Jadeja played 58 Test matches together, claiming a staggering 587 wickets, surpassing the legendary spin duo of Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh, who took 501 wickets as a pair. Together, they were instrumental in India's dominance in home Tests, turning pitches into fortresses. However, the veteran duo will not be seen together in the Indian setup, they will reunite for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in IPL 2025 after the franchise secured the services of Ashwin for INR 9.75 Crore, whereas Jadeja was retained by the franchise.
