"I always envy him" - Ravichandran Ashwin gets candid on his legendary partnership with Ravindra Jadeja
Team India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has described all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja as a cricketer whose talent he has always envied. The veteran Tamil Nadu player further asserted that both he and Jadeja are enjoying each other's success more than ever.
Ashwin and Jadeja, fondly referred to as India's spin twins, featured in a brilliant 199-run stand in the team's first innings in the ongoing Test against Bangladesh at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. The two joined forces, with India in all sorts of trouble at 144-6. When the partnership was eventually broken, the hosts were well and truly on top.
India resumed Day 2 in Chennai at 339-6 and were bowled out for 376. Ashwin's knock ended on 113, while Jadeja failed to add to his overnight score of 86. India's bowlers then knocked over Bangladesh for 149 after which India reached 81-3 by stumps on Friday (September 20). Speaking at a press conference at the end of the day's play, Ashwin gave some insight into his legendary partnership with Jadeja.
"Jaddu is one cricketer who has evolved so nicely. I always envy him. I have made that amply clear. [He is] so gifted, so talented. He has found ways to maximize his potential. I wish I could be him, but I am glad I am myself," the 38-year-old said.
"He's an exceptionally good cricketer and I am happy for him. In so many ways, watching him bat over the last couple of years has also given me insight on how better I can be. Both of us have grown together, both of us have done some special things. We really value one another at this stage and both of us are enjoying each other's success more than ever before," he went on to add.
While Ashwin went wicketless with the ball in Bangladesh's first innings, left-arm spinner Jadeja chipped in with 2-19 from eight overs.
"I think there is a bit more up and down bounce" - Ashwin analyzes Chepauk surface after Day 2
While only six wickets fell on the opening day of the first India vs Bangladesh Test, as many as 17 wickets went down on Day 2 in Chepauk on Friday. Asked for his assessment of the pitch, local boy Ashwin said that the wicket is getting slower and will offer turn as the game progresses.
"I think there is a bit more up and down bounce. The wicket is getting slower. There was a lot more help yesterday than there is today. I will still say the carry is there. It's probably quickened up a touch and then it's again gone on the slower side. I really do think as this game pans out, if at all it gets to the fifth day, it will turn for certain," the offie said.
"The challenges going ahead on this pitch will be to negotiate spin, little bit of slowness, not playing ahead. The longer we bat, the better it is. We will give the surface its due course to be able to do its tricks on the batters," Ashwin concluded.
At stumps on Day 2 of the Chepauk Test, Shubman Gill was batting on 33 and Rishabh Pant on 12.