Ravichandran Ashwin shocked many when he announced his sudden retirement after the third test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, even the cricketers including Ravindra Jadeja who have played a lot with him had no clue about R Ashwin’s decision.
Recently Ravindra Jadeja opened up on Ashwin’s sudden retirement and during a press conference he revealed that he was taken aback when Ravichandran Ashwin announced his international retirement. Speaking to reporters before the fourth Test between India and Australia, Ravindra Jadeja shared that Ashwin had spent the entire day with him but gave no indication of his plans. He learned the news just five minutes before R Ashwin’s press conference.
Jadeja and Ashwin played 58 Tests together, forming India’s most successful spin duo, with 587 wickets between them. Their partnership was key to India’s 12-year home Test series winning streak, making it one of the most iconic spin combinations in cricket history.
Ravindra Jadeja said that he found about it at the last moment and someone informed him just five minutes before the press conference. Jadeja said that he was obviously shocked because he was with Ashwin for the whole day and he didn’t even give a hint about taking retirement but everyone knows Ashwin and the manner in which his mind works.
When asked how Ashwin’s retirement would affect his role, Jadeja explained that his responsibilities wouldn’t change much in the remaining two Tests of the series. He noted that in overseas matches, he would continue his supporting role but his responsibilities would grow when playing in India.
Ravindra Jadeja admitted that Ashwin had been an “on-field mentor” throughout their partnership, often exchanging strategies and insights during matches. While he will miss Ashwin’s guidance, Jadeja said that it’s time for Indian cricket to look forward and back a new talent to step up.
Ravindra Jadeja added that it is not like India doesn’t have anyone to replace him, there will be someone who will replace him. He also said that India has to move on and it is a great opportunity for any youngster to come and take the responsibility.
India’s next match against Australia is set to begin at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on December 26.
