'Ek On Field Mentor Jaisa Hai': Ravindra Jadeja Reminisces About His Journey With Ravichandran Ashwin; Video

As India prepares to face Australia in the Boxing Day Test at Melbourne starting December 26, Ravindra Jadeja reflected on his close bond with teammate Ravichandran Ashwin. Speaking to the media, Jadeja described Ashwin as a mentor and expressed how much he would miss their partnership.

‘Obviously ek on field mentor jaise hai woh, itne saalo se ek dusre ke saath khela hu as a bowling partner kya message hai pass on karna hai, kya match ka situation hai, ye bahut saari cheeje miss karunga.”

("On the field, he has been like a mentor to me," Jadeja said. "We have played together for so many years as bowling partners. The understanding we shared about game situations and strategies—there's so much I will miss.")

Jadeja also acknowledged that Ashwin's retirement marks the beginning of a new chapter, as opportunities will open up for younger players.

“Obviously ek accha bowler aur all-rounder mile, ek jayega aur dusra aayega and humein move on karna hi padega. Jo bhi youngster aayega usko chance milega, uske ek accha oppurtunity milega India ke liye aur ye prove karne ke liye.” 

("Obviously, one great bowler and all-rounder is leaving, but someone else will step in. We have to move on. Whoever comes next will get a chance to prove themselves at the international level. It's a great opportunity for them to make a mark for India," he added.)

Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja have solidified their reputation as one of the most effective bowling duos in Test cricket history. In 58 matches, they took an impressive 587 wickets, outperforming the iconic pairing of Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh, who claimed 501.

In addition to their bowling success, Ashwin and Jadeja contributed significantly with the bat, scoring 709 runs together in 21 Test innings at an average of 35.45. Their partnership included two century stands and one fifty-run partnership, breaking the previous record of 617 runs for lower-order pairs in Indian Tests.

Ashwin announced his retirement on December 18, 2024, leaving a remarkable legacy as India's second-highest wicket-taker in Tests with 537 dismissals, only behind Kumble's 619. He also scored 3,503 runs, including six centuries.

Their partnership has been pivotal in India's Test dominance over the past decade. Ashwin's career is adorned with numerous accolades, including multiple stints as ICC's No. 1 Test bowler and 11 Player-of-the-Series awards, a feat he shares with Muttiah Muralitharan. His retirement marks the end of an era in cricket.