NEW DELHI: Former India spin legend Ravichandran Ashwin was a notable absence during India’s dominant innings-and-140-run win over the West Indies in the first Test at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. It was the first home Test without the ace spinner since 2010, as Team India fielded a spin trio of Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, and Washington Sundar.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!After the victory, Ravindra Jadeja, who starred with four wickets and a century, admitted that he missed having Ashwin beside him.
“Obviously, we miss him. Ash has contributed so much to Indian cricket for so many years. He has been a match-winner. Playing a Test in India without Ash, somewhere it feels Ash would bowl now, but then the realization comes that he is not there,” Jadeja said.In a lighthearted yet affectionate response, Ashwin told Jadeja not to dwell on his absence — after all, his presence might have meant fewer wickets for the all-rounder.
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“If I was playing, I would have taken 2-3 wickets from the ones he took, so he should not be missing me. Jitna faayda hai utna lena chahiye (He should capitalise on whatever there is). He is becoming a bona fide legend of Test cricket, I am really happy for him,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.Ashwin also acknowledged the challenges Jadeja faces in guiding a largely new Indian Test side.“After hearing his comments, I know that he is showing affection, but more than anything else, I don’t think he has anyone to talk to now. All of them are new boys. There used to be small talk between us, and when you reach a level of super seniority, you have to think before making small talk to the youngsters. He must be wondering whether the youngsters would judge him, but if Ash was here he would not judge. When Puji retired, I felt the same, we used to sit together,” Ashwin added.India’s Test squad has undergone a major overhaul recently, with Ashwin, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli,and Rohit Sharma announcing retirements in quick succession. Ashwin’s playful yet heartfelt remarks highlight not just his camaraderie with teammates but also the continuity of excellence in Team India, even as legends step away from the field.
