Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja are two of India's greatest spin bowlers in modern times. While they have dominated in Indian conditions, overseas Tests often see only one of them in the playing XI.
Ashwin has frequently been the one left out, including the World Test Championship final last time out. This has led to questions about how he feels about this situation.
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What is Ravichandran Ashwin's perspective on team selection?
In a recent interview, Ashwin addressed the notion of jealousy when asked if he blames Jadeja for being picked as the lone spinner in away Tests. He rejected the idea that he harbors any ill feelings towards Jadeja.
"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," Ashwin said.
Ashwin also discussed the conditioned thinking that leads people to compare players negatively when one is chosen over the other. He stated that his focus has always been on contributing to the team and that such comparisons should be avoided. "The notion of jealousy is a conditioning we need to overcome," he added.
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What did Ravichandran Ashwin say on his relationship with Ravindra Jadeja?
Ashwin did not hesitate to praise Jadeja. He acknowledged that their relationship has grown stronger over the years as they have learned to understand each other's differences. He also noted that while he tends to overthink, Jadeja has a more natural and instinctive approach to the game.
"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."
"I tend to think a lot, whereas he does not. Understanding took time, but now we have a strong working relationship." Ashwin concluded.
Ashwin now mainly plays Test matches for India, and Jadeja was not part of the ODI squad when India played against Sri Lanka last month. However, both players will return for a two-Test series against Bangladesh, which will be India's first Test matches in nearly six months.
India has 10 more Tests left in their World Test Championship schedule, including an exciting five-match series in Australia.