Ravindra Jadeja and Ravi Ashwin. (Photo Source: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)
Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja played a vital role in India’s Border-Gavaskar Trophy series win. The spin duo dominated the Australian side in the first two Tests and helped India to take an unassailable 2-0 lead earlier. Notably, India lost the third Test in Indore. However, team India clinched the series after the fourth and final Test ended in a draw.
While speaking to the broadcasters after the final Test, Ashwin hailed his fellow teammate Jadeja, stating that playing together has made both of them better players.
“It has been a great journey. We (himself and Jadeja) started a long time ago but we wouldn’t be the same or lethal enough without the other. We need to recognise that, at least I have started recognising that over the last 2-3 years,” Ashwin said.
“He gives me a lot of freedom to be creative with the ball, credit to him, I thought he bowled beautifully in the Delhi Test as well and that’s why we are here today,” he added.
The veteran spinner also recalled a moment in which he saw Jadeja upset after getting out on 28 in India’s first innings during the final Test.
“Jaddu (Ravindra Jadeja) keeps it really simple, he does not fret around or bother about what has happened, but I saw him sit in one place for an hour after he got out, so that told me how disappointed he was and that came out today,” stated Ashwin.
‘It feels good bowling with Ashwin,’ says Ravindra Jadeja
Meanwhile, Jadeja opened up about sharing space with Ashwin in the recently concluded series. He also admitted that he could not bat well in the series but vowed to work on it.
“It feels good bowling with him. He (Ashwin) is passing on information. What field to have, how to bowl to a particular batsman. I am not too happy with my batting in this series. I missed out on a few occasions especially in this Test. I will work harder and focus on my batting,” added Jadeja.
The final Test of the four-match series between India and Australia ended in a draw on Day 5 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Monday.
Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja were brilliant throughout the series and they shared the Player of the Series award. Notably, Ashwin picked up 25 wickets and scored 86 runs in India’s five innings. Meanwhile, Jadeja picked up 22 and ended as the joint second-highest wicket-taker alongside Nathan Lyon. The star all-rounder also scored 135 runs across India’s five innings.
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