'Envious' Ravi Ashwin praises 'gifted' Ravindra Jadeja: Wish I could be like him

IND vs BAN: Ravi Ashwin heaped praise on Ravindra Jadeja after the latter troubled Bangladesh both with bat and ball in the first Test at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.

In Short

• Ravindra Jadeja scored 86 runs and picked up 2 wickets in the Chennai Test
• India led by 308 runs at the close of play on Day 2
• Ashwin was India’s top-scorer in the first innings

Ravi Ashwin said that he envies Ravindra Jadeja and heaped praise on him for maximising his potential. Jadeja has had an impressive outing as India are dominating the opening Test against Bangladesh at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. He scored 86 runs off 124 balls with 10 fours and two sixes and followed the knock up with brilliant figures of 8-2-19-2.

On the back of his performance, Rohit Sharma’s India are not far away from winning the Test at the Chepauk. Ashwin, who has had a stupendous outing thus far in the match, lauded Jadeja for being consistent with his performances.

IND vs BAN, Chennai Test Highlights

"You don't plan for such things. Jaddu is one cricketer who has evolved so nicely. I always envy him. I have made that amply clear. So gifted, so talented. He has found ways to maximise his potential. Keeps it really simple. He can repeat it day in and day out. I wish I could be him but I am glad I am myself,” Ashwin said in the post-match press conference.

‘We really value one another’

Ashwin and Jadeja have been a part of several of India’s victories, both home and away over the last 10 years or so. With the all-round duo in charge, India have not lost a home Test series since 2012.

“He is an exceptionally good cricketer. I am happy for him. Likewise, in so many ways, watching him bat over the last couple of years has given me insight into how [much] better I can be. Both of us have grown up together. Both of us have done some special things. We really value one another at this stage. Both of us are enjoying each other's success more than ever before,” Ashwin added.

At Stumps on Day 2, India are leading by 308 runs with seven wickets left in their first innings. Ashwin was India’s top scorer in the first innings with a 113-run knock, although he went wicket-less with the ball in hand.