‘I wish I could be him, but I’m happy to be myself’: Jealous Ashwin reflects on his special bond with Jadeja |
NEW DELHI: Often seen together causing problems for their opponents, Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja have redefined teamwork in Indian cricket.
The duo showed their synergy in the first test against Bangladeshwhere they turned the game around by scoring 199 runs for the seventh wicket.
Their partnership took India’s total from a precarious 144 for six to a respectable 376 all out.
Ashwin did not hesitate to express his admiration for Jadeja.
“I always envy him. So gifted, so talented. He has found ways to maximise his potential. I wish I could be him, but I am happy to be myself,” PTI quoted Ashwin as saying during the press conference in Chennai on Friday.
Ashwin admitted that having Jadeja at bat helped him score his sixth Test century.
“He’s an exceptionally good cricketer. I’m happy for him. And I think that watching his batting over the last few years has also shown me in many ways how I can improve,” he added.
However, their bowling approaches are different. Ashwin relies on a variety of tricks to deceive the batters, while Jadeja focuses on maintaining tight and consistent lines to get results. Despite their different styles, they have managed to complement each other very well.
Together they have become India’s most successful bowling duo, surpassing the previous record held by Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh, who took 501 wickets between them. Ashwin emphasised their mutual respect and the joy they share in each other’s success.
“He keeps it really simple. He can repeat it (bowling) day in and day out. So we’ve both grown together. We’ve both done special things. We really appreciate each other at this stage and we’re both more happy than ever for each other’s success,” Ashwin explained.
The duo’s task is not over yet as they will have to bowl in tandem again in Bangladesh’s second innings to secure a win for India. Ashwin has already laid out a strategy on how he will tackle the Bangladesh batsmen despite failing to take a wicket in the first innings which ended on 149.
“I think there’s a little more up and down. I’d say the carry is still there. It probably picked up a little bit of pace (today) and then it slowed down again. I really think as this game develops, if it even gets to the fourth or fifth day, it’s going to turn around for sure.”
Ashwin explained that the biggest challenge going forward will be to manage spin effectively as the pitch is expected to help the spinners in the later stages of the game.
“The challenge with this pitch, however, will be to manage the spin as the surface will teach the batsmen their tricks over time,” he said.
Ashwin’s insights reflect the duo’s understanding of the game and their ability to adapt to different conditions. Their aim is to lead India to victory again with the help of their successful partnership.
The duo showed their synergy in the first test against Bangladeshwhere they turned the game around by scoring 199 runs for the seventh wicket.
Their partnership took India’s total from a precarious 144 for six to a respectable 376 all out.
Ashwin did not hesitate to express his admiration for Jadeja.
“I always envy him. So gifted, so talented. He has found ways to maximise his potential. I wish I could be him, but I am happy to be myself,” PTI quoted Ashwin as saying during the press conference in Chennai on Friday.
Ashwin admitted that having Jadeja at bat helped him score his sixth Test century.
“He’s an exceptionally good cricketer. I’m happy for him. And I think that watching his batting over the last few years has also shown me in many ways how I can improve,” he added.
However, their bowling approaches are different. Ashwin relies on a variety of tricks to deceive the batters, while Jadeja focuses on maintaining tight and consistent lines to get results. Despite their different styles, they have managed to complement each other very well.
Together they have become India’s most successful bowling duo, surpassing the previous record held by Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh, who took 501 wickets between them. Ashwin emphasised their mutual respect and the joy they share in each other’s success.
“He keeps it really simple. He can repeat it (bowling) day in and day out. So we’ve both grown together. We’ve both done special things. We really appreciate each other at this stage and we’re both more happy than ever for each other’s success,” Ashwin explained.
The duo’s task is not over yet as they will have to bowl in tandem again in Bangladesh’s second innings to secure a win for India. Ashwin has already laid out a strategy on how he will tackle the Bangladesh batsmen despite failing to take a wicket in the first innings which ended on 149.
“I think there’s a little more up and down. I’d say the carry is still there. It probably picked up a little bit of pace (today) and then it slowed down again. I really think as this game develops, if it even gets to the fourth or fifth day, it’s going to turn around for sure.”
Ashwin explained that the biggest challenge going forward will be to manage spin effectively as the pitch is expected to help the spinners in the later stages of the game.
“The challenge with this pitch, however, will be to manage the spin as the surface will teach the batsmen their tricks over time,” he said.
Ashwin’s insights reflect the duo’s understanding of the game and their ability to adapt to different conditions. Their aim is to lead India to victory again with the help of their successful partnership.
