NEW DELHI: Playing alongside Ravichandran
Ashwin can be a challenge for any bowler, even for a standout like
Ravindra Jadeja.
With Jadeja on the brink of joining the elite group of cricketers with 300 wickets and 3000 runs in Test cricket, reaching 299 wickets and 3122 runs, the achievement speaks volumes.
Only ten players in the history of cricket have attained this milestone, with Kapil Dev and Ashwin being the only other Indians.Notable legends such as Gary Sobers and Jacques Kallis are absent from this list.
Jadeja’s name rarely gets mentioned alongside these all-rounders. And his low-profile approach is a key reason.
Unlike Ashwin, who frequently talks about his skills in press meets or on his YouTube channel, Jadeja prefers to operate quietly, much like a stealth fighter jet.
In high-pressure situations, Jadeja’s fighting instincts shine through. During the first Test against Bangladesh, where India triumphed by 280 runs, Jadeja and Ashwin’s partnership was crucial in the first innings. From 144 for six, they took the score to 376 with a 199-run stand for the seventh wicket. Jadeja scored 86, but the spotlight was on Ashwin’s century.
Jadeja’s contribution of five wickets in that match was overshadowed by Ashwin’s six-wicket haul in the second innings.
While Ashwin received much praise for his tactical approach against Shakib Al Hasan, Jadeja’s efforts to dismiss Litton Das went largely unnoticed.
Jadeja excels through his competitive spirit rather than artistic flair. His all-round efforts often end up as a footnote, recognized only by keen observers.
Ashwin acknowledged Jadeja’s importance. “He’s been a very inspirational story. Sometimes, when you’re in the race along with your co-cricketers, you want to get ahead of one another. And then you slowly start admiring one another.
“Now, that admiration has gone one step higher, knowing that I can never beat Jadeja. So, I’m comfortable in my skin, but totally inspired by what he’s done,” Ashwin had said after the first Test.
Since 2012, Jadeja and Ashwin have played 45 home Tests together, winning 34, losing three, and drawing eight. In these matches, Jadeja has taken 218 wickets, while Ashwin has claimed 263.
“It can be safely said that, they feed on each other’s presence. I would say Ashwin has benefitted slightly more by the presence of Jadeja, because he hardly gives anything to batsmen. Even on flat wickets, batters struggle against him because of his control.
“So, at times, they are forced to take risks against Ashwin or other bowlers. But who are those other bowlers – Bumrah and Shami. So, for visiting batters it is a really no-hope situation, the pressure is continuous on them,” a former India left-arm spinner told PTI.
“He is quite selfless too in what he does. He hardly gives big interviews or tussle for any positions. I don’t even know whether he likes all the hype around. He seems a contended person, happy in just contributing to the team,” he added.
After the Chepauk Test, while others were celebrating and speaking to broadcasters, Jadeja stood near the boundary, tossing a red-ball and staring at the ground, likely contemplating strategies for the next Test.
