Ravichandran Ashwin jealous of Ravindra Jadeja getting nod for overseas Tests? India star breaks silence

Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja have been the pillars of India's spin bowling for years now. Both have developed over the years and have established themselves as one of the best in the business, especially in Test cricket.

Recently, Ravichandran Ashwin responded to the question of being jealous of Ravindra Jadeja when the latter plays the overseas Tests ahead of Ashwin. In home conditions, both Ashwin and Jadeja are part of the Playing XI as they are nearly invincible with their skills and accuracy.

However, it is the overseas conditions where only one of these spinners gets a chance to be a part of the Playing XI. Most often, it is Ravichandran Ashwin as Ravindra Jadeja is a better batsman than him and can contribute more as an allrounder.

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Is Ravichandran Ashwin jealous of Ravindra Jadeja getting the nod for overseas Tests?

During an interview with sports journalist Vimal Kumar on the latter's YouTube channel, Ravichandran Ashwin spoke about the prospect of being jealous of Ravindra Jadeja. Ashwin clearly denied such rumors and called Jadeja the most talented cricketer he has seen.

“You are talking about jealousy", asked Ashwin before explaining the differences between him and Ravindra Jadeja.

“(Ravindra) Jadeja is the most talented cricketer I’ve seen; everything about him is natural. Over the years, our relationship has improved as we’ve learned to understand each other’s differences," Ashwin noted.

“I tend to think a lot, whereas he does not. Understanding took time, but now we have a strong working relationship," he added.

Ashwin further stated that he doesn't have jealousy towards Jadeja's success and claimed that it is not because of Jadeja that he doesn't get a chance to play in some Tests.

“It’s not Jadeja’s fault that I’m not playing. I don’t have the kind of jealousy where I would wish to keep him out just to play myself. The notion of jealousy is a conditioning we need to overcome," he elaborated.

Clear communication with players is important - Ravichandran Ashwin

While Ashwin understands the role of team dynamics which rules him out of some of the Test matches, he believes that clear communication is important if a player has to be dropped or replaced from the Playing XI.

“It’s crucial to handle players who are not playing with clarity and reassurance. If someone is replaced, it’s not about fault but about opportunity and team dynamics," the 37-year-old offspinner said.

Contrasting styles but effective results

Ravichandran Ashwin is known for his variations and changes in pace. The offspinner also has a potent carrom ball that he had developed in his armory during the start of his career.

On the other hand, Ravindra Jadeja is more reliant on his accuracy. Jadeja is a traditional left-arm spinner whose strength is to bowl at a good pace.

Both the legendary spinners have their own ways of getting wickets and they have achieved tremendous success with their methods.

Both Ashwin and Jadeja are expected to play in India's upcoming series against Bangladesh, beginning on September 19.

It will be interesting to see if India prefers to go with two spinners in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, to be played later this year. If India opts for two spinners, Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja can both feature in the Playing XI.