‘I envy him’ - Ravichandran Ashwin reflects on his camaraderie with Ravindra Jadeja

Team India registered a brilliant win against Bangladesh in the first Test of the ongoing series. Both sides faced off at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on September 19, and after four days of play, India managed to topple Bangladesh, winning the game by 280 runs. 

There were many performances across the four days of play; however, none of them stood out as much as the performances of Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja. Both players shined on day 1 of the clash when India were in a spot of bother after losing wickets early. 

However, Jadeja and Ashwin scored 86 and 113 runs, respectively, and helped India post 339 runs in the first innings of the game. Furthermore, Ashwin went on to win the Player of the Match award after his spell in the second innings when he took six wickets and ensured the win for India. 

The duo of Ashwin and Jadeja have been an integral part of India’s squad for many years now. After the win in the first Test, Ashwin took centre stage and reflected on his relationship with Jadeja, even admitting to envying his fielding capabilities. 

Also Read: ‘Make a living by bowling, so bowling comes first’ - Ashwin on century vs six-for comparisons against Bangladesh

"He's been a very inspirational story. On many of these occasions over the last 3-4 years, when he's walked in to bat, I feel so calm and composed in the dressing room. It's such an inspirational story about how he's found his off-stump, how he's contributed,” Ashwin was quoted as saying by NDTV.

"Jadeja on the field is a fire. He's a rocket on the field. So, all in all, I envy him. I'm jealous of him but totally admire him. I've learnt to admire him for the last 4-5 years, even more than I have in the past,” he added. 

There are good breaks between games: Ashwin

Furthermore, Ashwin also talked about the importance of staying in peak physical condition even at 38 years old. The veteran all-rounder highlighted how there are a few days in between matches, which have given him ample time to tweak his fitness routines. 

"There are good breaks between games. Hopefully, we'll get small windows for me to keep ironing it out (fitness). More than skill, I think it's about physically being able to go through the season, which is of utmost importance for me,” Ashwin said.