Envy and Admiration: Ravichandran Ashwin's Honest Wish to be Ravindra Jadeja

Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, India's formidable spin duo, have taken the concept of "hunting in pairs" to a whole new level. Their lethal combination has become a nightmare for opposition teams, consistently wreaking havoc on the cricket field. In the recent first Test against Bangladesh, they showcased their brilliance once again by crafting a record-breaking 199-run partnership for the seventh wicket. This breathtaking display of skill and determination not only rescued India from a precarious position at 144/6 but also propelled them to a commanding total of 376 all out. Ashwin and Jadeja's partnership epitomizes the invaluable contribution they make to the Indian cricket team, solidifying their status as one of the most potent bowling combinations in the world.

This remarkable alliance marked a new milestone for the Ashwin-Jadeja combination, who have previously shared three 50-plus partnerships to stabilize India's innings.

Ashwin lavished praise on Jadeja, saying, "I envy his giftedness and talent. He's maximized his potential, and I wish I could be him, but I'm glad I'm myself." Ashwin credited Jadeja's presence at the other end for helping him craft his sixth Test century.

Ashwin and Jadeja's symbiotic relationship has become a cornerstone of India's success, with their collective skills and camaraderie leaving opponents struggling to contain them.

“He is an exceptionally good cricketer. I'm happy for him. Likewise, in so many ways, I think watching him bat over the last couple of years has also given me insight on how better I can be,” he added.

But when it comes to bowling, Ashwin pursues a vastly different philosophy, flummoxing batters with an endless bag of tricks.

Jadeja is more real world, keeping it tight and using subtle changes in line and length to net his returns.

But together they have found a way to co-exist to benefit the team and in last January the pair went past the mark of Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh (501 wickets) to emerge as India’s most successful bowling combination.

“He keeps it really simple. He can repeat it (bowling) day in and day out. So, both of us have grown together. Both of us have done some special things.

“We really value one another at this stage and both of us are enjoying each other's success more than ever before,” Ashwin explained.

The business, though, is unfinished. They will now have to bowl together once more in Bangladesh’s fourth innings to take the side home.

In his mind, Ashwin, who could not pick up a wicket in Bangladesh’s first innings that ended at 149, has already plotted the visitors’ downfall.

“I think there's a bit more up-and-down bounce. I would say the carry is there still. It's probably quickened up a touch (today) and then it's again gone on the slower side. I really do think as this game pans out, if at all it gets to the fourth-fifth day, it will turn for certain.

“But the challenge going ahead in this pitch would be to negotiate spin, as the surface in due course will be able to do its tricks on the batters,” he said.