5 best R Ashwin-Ravindra Jadeja moments in international cricket
The lethal partnership between Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja as a bowling pair in home Tests is something which might not be replicated in the coming years. They came and hunted in pairs, ensuring the collapse of an opposition.
Following the retirement of Ashwin from international cricket after the conclusion of the third Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test, Jadeja said he was unaware of the fact that the off-spinner was considering retirement. Jadeja quipped that he had spent the whole day with Ashwin but never did he leave any hint of making such a big decision.
“I got to know about the retirement at the last moment, five minutes before the press conference. It was shocking. We spent the whole day together, and he didn’t even give me a hint. I got to know at the last minute. We all know how Ashwin’s mind works," Jadeja was quoted by the reporters at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Saturday.
Ashwin and Jadeja forged a formidable partnership and finished as the leading pair in Indian Test cricket history. The duo took 587 wickets between them in just 58 Tests and went past the likes of Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh who took 501 wickets among them.
While the duo won't be seen together anymore in whites they will be reuniting in the yellow colours in the upcoming IPL season where both the star players will be plying their trade for the Chennai Super Kings. Over the years, there have been several moments and partnerships on the field which have redefined their careers.
With that, let us have a look 5 best R Ashwin- Ravindra Jadeja moments in international cricket.
#5 An incredible stand against New Zealand in 2014 to secure a tie for India
While the duo was more known for hunting in pair as a bowling unit, it was one of those occasions when the classy all-rounders produced an incredible partnership with the bat during an ODI match against New Zealand in Auckland.
India was set a daunting target of 315 and when MS Dhoni got out with more than 130 runs required, it looked like India would fold out rather cheaply. However, Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja had other ideas. They made good use of the dimensions on the ground and targeted specific areas of the field.
The duo shared a crucial 85-run stand to bail India out of the hole. Both took the aggressive approach and put the New Zealand bowlers under some serious pressure. Ashwin was eventually dismissed for 65 in the 45th over but Jadeja ensured that he stayed there till the end and secured a tie for the visitors.
#4 A superb partnership against Bangladesh to bail India out of trouble
Earlier this year, the indomitable duo was involved in another sensational stand which paved the way for a resounding win for India in the opening Test against Bangladesh in Chennai. Ashwin came into the match on the back of some good batting form at Chepauk and yet again he didn't disappoint.
India was struggling at 144/6 in the first innings when Ashwin joined Jadeja in the crease. Right from the time they started their innings, it looked a totally different pitch. Ashwin struck some tremendous shots on the up and the Bangladesh bowlers were absolutely clueless.
They also scored at a good rate which never really allowed Bangladesh to seize control of the game. Ashwin went on to complete his 6th and final Test century and shared a 199-run stand with Jadeja before the latter’s departure.
The duo also played a vital role with the ball. They bagged 11 wickets between them and were literally unplayable in the second innings. It was their memorable partnership which laid the foundation for a 280-run win for India.
#3 The Ashwin-Jadeja duo bowling India to the 2013 Champions Trophy win
It's not every day when you see the ball turning square in English conditions. It was one of those rare occasions when India felt like it was more of a home game given the spin-friendly conditions in Birmingham during the 2013 Champions Trophy final against England.
Due to persistent rain, the 50-over contest was reduced to a 20-over affair. India could only muster 129 in their allotted 20 overs and the onus was on the bowlers to get the job done. MS Dhoni led the team admirably and handed the relatively new ball to both Ashwin and Jadeja.
While Ashwin prized out Jonathan Trott, Jadeja got rid of the dangerous Ian Bell to send some jitters into the England batting line-up.
The partnership between Eoin Morgan and Ravi Bopara steadied the ship but the spin duo of Ashwin and Jadeja again came back strongly in the death to take India to a famous win. They finished with joint figures of 4/39 in eight overs.
#2 When Ashwin came up with a hilarious reply for Jadeja’s fluent Tamil message
The spin duo displayed their camaraderie with Ashwin on the field during an exchange on social media earlier this year. Ashwin was present at a ceremony hosted by the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association to celebrate Ashwin achieving the 500-wicket feat and playing 100 Tests for the nation.
Jadeja didn't leave an opportunity to congratulate his bowling partner, albeit channelling his inner Rajnikanth. He drew inspiration from a classic movie from the Tamil superstar Rajinikanth and congratulated Ashwin in a unique style.
"Thillu Mullu," where he comparing their duo to the movie characters Chandran and Indran. "And we also share the same name as well. I am Ravi Indran and you're Ravi Chandran. Meesha vachavan Indran, meesha vaykathavan Chandran (The one with the moustache Indran and the one without the moustache, Chandran)," Jadeja quipped.
Ashwin was very surprised when Jadeja referred to such an iconic Tamil movie. Rajinikanth played the role of both Chandran and Indran. Lying to his supervisor, he disguised himself as Indran, who didn't sport a moustache while Chandran did.
“Jaddu. I couldn't control my surprise and laughter through and through your message,” Ashwin said. The duo will be again seen in action together for the Chennai Super Kings in the upcoming edition of the IPL.
#1 When Ashwin and Jadeja recreated a famous Akshay Kumar scene and danced to Naatu Naatu
The presence of Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, especially in home Tests, has made India an incredible power. Losing just a single home series in 12 years deserves a special mention, and the duo's incredible contributions have made most of this possible.
India continued its dominant run in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, winning its fourth consecutive series in early 2023. Ashwin-Jadeja played a massive role in helping India secure a 2-1 series win.
They were adjudged as the joint Player of the Series which prompted them to create an iconic ‘Ek tera Ek Mera’ Akshay Kumar scene from the film Deewane Huye Paagal. They even danced on the popular dance number Naatu Naatu from the film RRR and social media was flooded with some hilarious comments.