Ashwin played with me like an on-field mentor: Jadeja

Ravindra Jadeja said he will deeply miss Ravichandran Ashwin bowling alongside him in Test cricket. Ashwin announced his retirement from international cricket earlier this week, and Jadeja said he had no idea about his decision till the last minute. 

“I got to know about the retirement at the last moment. Five minutes before the press conference. It was shocking. We spent the entire day together, and he didn’t even give me a hint. We all know how Ashwin’s mind works (laughs),” Jadeja told the reporters at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (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, someone better spin bowler and all-rounder will replace Ashwin. In India, we always have good talents and it is not like anyone is irreplaceable. We will have to move on. It is a golden opportunity for any youngster to grab this opportunity.”

Jadeja didn’t feature in the first two Tests despite being one of India’s best batters in the last few years. The left-hander got an opportunity in the third Test and scored crucial 77 runs in the first innings. Thanks to him, India managed to avoid the follow-on and saved the Test.

“Scoring outside when the team is in tough position, it gives you confidence. Mindset will be the same. You will have to play according to the match situation and I will play according to the team’s role,” said Jadeja.

“I didn’t play the first two match, it helped me practice more and I got more acclimatised to the condition. The hard work in the nets helped me in the match.”

The fourth Test will be played at the MCG from December 26. The series is currently tied at 1-1, with two matches to go.