Ravindra Jadeja spent an entire day with Ravichandran Ashwin, unaware that his bowling partner was about to announce his retirement from international cricket. It wasn’t until just five minutes before the press conference that Jadeja learned the news, leaving him stunned and emotional.

The Ashwin-Jadeja partnership has gradually became the cornerstone of India’s Test bowling attack, taking 587 wickets in 58 Tests. With Ashwin’s retirement, this iconic duo has ended, leaving Jadeja dejected. Upon reaching Melbourne, the Baroda all-rounder shared how they had spent the entire day together before Ashwin’s announcement.

While speaking to the media, Jadeja stated, “We were together the whole day, yet Ashwin didn’t give me the slightest hint,” Jadeja said with a laugh. “It’s hard to understand what he must have been thinking.” 

He continued, “I only found out in the last moment, five minutes before he went to speak to the press. The news hit me like a shock. We’ve been bowling partners for so long, always motivating each other and crafting plans together. Personally, I’ll feel the void immensely.”

Jadeja is deeply affected by Ashwin’s retirement, aware that he’ll no longer have his partner’s invaluable on-field guidance. However, he is determined to embrace reality and focus on the road ahead.

“I hope a good spinner-allrounder will fill Ashwin’s void in the team. India is never short of talent. No one is irreplaceable. We must move forward. This is a golden opportunity for the youngsters, and someone will surely seize it,” Jadeja remarked.

Jadeja has missed first two Tests of BGT, however he remarked it was no mistake, moreover it helped him to improve his form and worked in favour of the team. 

“Not playing the first two matches gave me more time for preparation. I had a better chance to adapt to the conditions and pitches here. The hard work in practice sessions has paid off once I got onto the field,” he said.

India has won two consecutive Test series in Australia, and Jadeja believes India can achieve a third consecutive victory as the fourth Test begins on December 26.