Ravi Ashwin said he envied Ravindra Jadeja and praised him for reaching his full potential. Jadeja had an impressive outing as India dominated the opening Test against Bangladesh at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, scoring 86 runs from 124 balls with 10 fours and two sixes and posting brilliant figures of 8-2-19-2 after the knock.

Thanks to his performance, Rohit Sharma’s India are not far away from winning the Test at Chepauk. Ashwin, who has had a great outing in the game so far, praised Jadeja for his consistent performances.

IND vs BAN, highlights of the Chennai Test

“You don’t plan for something like this. Jaddu is a cricketer who has come along so well. I always envy him. I have made that clear. So gifted, so talented. He has found ways to maximise his potential. He keeps it really simple. He can repeat it day in and day out. I wish I could be him but I’m happy to be myself,” Ashwin said in the post-match press conference.

“We value each other very much”

Ashwin and Jadeja have been involved in several of India’s victories over the last 10 years, both at home and away. Under the leadership of the all-round duo, India has not lost a home Test series since 2012.

“He is an exceptionally good cricketer. I am happy for him. And watching him bat has shown me in many ways how (much) better I can be. We both grew up together. We both did special things. We really appreciate each other now. We are both more happy than ever for each other’s success,” Ashwin added.

On the second day, India leads by 308 runs at stumps with seven wickets remaining in the first innings. Ashwin was India’s highest scorer in the first innings with a 113-run knock despite remaining wicketless with the ball in hand.

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