Ravichandran Ashwin confesses to being jealous of Ravindra Jadeja

The veteran India National Cricket Team off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has lavished rich praise on the star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, saying that he is a gifted and talented player.

Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja have been the backbone of the Indian Team in Test cricket for over a decade and the duo have delivered several match-winning batting as well as bowling performances.

I always envy him, I have made amply clear - Ravichandran Ashwin

Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin's latest heroics came at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chepauk, Chennai in the first Test against Bangladesh when they joined forces to help India get out of trouble and post a huge total of 376 runs on the board.

After a poor performance from the top-order and a good fight by Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant, India were struggling at 144/6 and that was when the veteran all-rounders showcased their class.

Ravichandran Ashwin displayed great intent and scored 113 runs off 133 balls and Ravindra Jadeja scored 86 runs off 124 balls as the duo shared a terrific 199-run stand. When it came India's turn to bowl, Jadeja picked two wickets while Ashwin went wicketless.

Speaking after the play on Day 2, Ravichandran Ashwin spoke in detail about Ravindra Jadeja and his bond with the all-rounder. Ashwin stated that he sometimes wishes to be like Jadeja, who is an exceptionally good cricketer. He elaborated:

“It’s happened [our partnership in cricket]. You don't plan for such things. Jaddu's one cricketer who's evolved so nicely. I always envy him, I have made amply clear.

“So gifted, so talented. He's found ways to maximise his potential, keeps it really simple, and can repeat it day in, day out. I wish I could be him, but I am glad I am myself. He's an exceptionally good cricketer, I am happy for him.

“In so many ways, watching him bat over the last couple of years has given me insights 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.”

I think this Bangladesh team is one team that's come a long way - Ravichandran Ashwin

Ravichandran Ashwin also praised Bangladesh for showing a good fight and said that the team has come a long way.

“I think this Bangladesh team is one team that's come a long way so we need to keep the foot on the accelerator and keep going,” he said.

Stumps on Day 2 in Chennai!#TeamIndia move to 81/3 in the 2nd innings, lead by 308 runs 👌👌

See you tomorrow for Day 3 action 👋

Scorecard - https://t.co/jV4wK7BOKA#INDvBAN | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/EmHtqyg9W3

— BCCI (@BCCI) September 20, 2024

Every time I do well, it leaves me in a good, happy state of mind - Ashwin

The 38-year-old holds several major records, especially in Test cricket, but the biggest one, perhaps, is that he is the only player in Test history with 20 fifty-plus scores and over 30 five-wicket hauls.

Despite his success over the years, Ravichandran Ashwin still has the hunger to do well and when asked about what pushes him to continue playing, he responded by saying 'happiness.'

"Happiness,” Ashwin said when asked what pushes him to do well. “You want to be good. You excel. You feel happy at the end of the day. It drives me towards that. Every time I do well, it leaves me in a good, happy state of mind.

“That's what you get on this journey for. You want to do well. You want to excel on the global stage. People are watching you and you feel happy about it."