Team India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has named allrounder Ravindra Jadeja as a cricketer whose talent he has always envied. The veteran further added that both he and Jadeja are enjoying each other’s success more than ever as well. However, Ashwin and Jadeja referred to as India’s spin twins, featured in a stunning 199-run stand in the team’s first innings in the ongoing Test against Bangladesh at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai as well.
Speaking at a press conference at the end of the day’s play, Ashwin said, “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.”
However, while Ashwin went wicketless with the ball in Bangladesh’s first innings, Jadeja scalped 2-19 from eight overs as well. 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 as well.
“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 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,” Ravichandran Ashwin concluded.
