'We spent the entire together, and he didn't even gave me a hint': Ravindra Jadeja recalls feeling shocked over R Ashwin's sudden retirement announcement

Ravindra Jadeja was as surprised as everyone when Ravichandran Ashwin announced his retirement as he didn't know about it on entire Day 5 of Gabba Test either.

Sports Tak

• Sat • 21 Dec 2024

Ravichandran Ashwin of India catches during a nets session at JSCA International Stadium Complex on February 21, 2024 in Ranchi, India.

Highlights:

R Ashwin announced his retirement after Gabba Test ended in a draw.

Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja helped India dominate at home for several years.

Jadeja in his first match of the series scored 77 but remained wicketless.

Midway through the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, Ravichandran Ashwin's retirement shocked many and raised several questions. The era of dynamic spin duo Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja came to an end in international cricket. As Ashwin took the decision and headed to post-match press conference to make it official, Jadeja was still shocked as he got to know about it just five minutes earlier. The southpaw revealed that he did not get a hint despite spending all day with his fellow spin-bowling all-rounder.

“I got to know about the retirement at the last moment. Five minutes before the press conference. It was shocking,” Jadeja told the reporters at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) ahead of Boxing Day Test.

“We spent the entire day together, and he didn’t even gave me the hint. We all know how Ashwin’s mind works (laughs),” he added.

Jadeja, Ashwin dominance at home

Jadeja and Ashwin's partnership was the main reason behind India's long-running dominance at home in Test cricket. The pair played 58 Tests together and claimed 587 wickets. Because of their consistent performances, plenty spinners had to continue the grind in domestic cricket. Jadeja expects that a better spin bowler fills Ashwin's shoes.

“We have been bowling partners for so many years. We kept complementing each other. We used to plan against the batters. I will miss so many things,” he said.

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“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.

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“It is a golden opportunity for any youngster to grab this opportunity.”

Jadeja scored 77 runs and shared a crucial partnership with KL Rahul in The Gabba Test that ended in a draw. The two teams will lock horns at the MCG on December 26.