'I was surprised because..' - Ravindra Jadeja talks about R. Ashwin's sudden retirement announcement

On day 5 of the third Test match between India and Australia at Gabba, Ravichandran Ashwin announced his retirement during the press conference. Ashwin's retirement news came as a shock to his spin partner Ravindra Jadeja as he said it was a surprise. Jadeja stated that on day 5 of the third Test, when the play was going on, Ashwin was sitting beside him till the final play but he did not reveal anything to him about his big decision. 

"I got to know about it only at the last moment, just before when he came to address the press. I think it was 5 minutes before the press conference, people told me that this was going to happen. I was surprised because we both were sitting together throughout that day. He didn't even give a hint. I got to know at the last minute. Yes, we all know Ashwin's mind and how it works," Ravindra Jadeja said.

Shortly after the third Test match in Brisbane ended in a draw on December 18, R Ashwin made an unexpected retirement news. Immediately, the seasoned off-spinner announced his retirement from all international formats. He arrived in Chennai the next day. Jadeja, however, emphasized that it was time for the squad to move on and make sure the new player filling in for Ashwin gets as much exposure and experience as possible in the coming days.

Series shifts to Melbourne

Even though Jadeja could not have a big impact with the ball, he was a valuable batsman when his team needed him most. In the rain-affected Brisbane Test, Jadeja hit an important 77 runs in the opening innings to spare India from a follow-on. India has used up to three spinners in the first three Test matches. 

In the series opener in Perth, Washington Sundar was the only spinner, and Ashwin played in the last pink-ball Test match in Adelaide. Ravindra Jadeja took Ashwin's spot in the playing XI for India's third Test match in Brisbane. India and Australia will play the fourth Test match, which will start on Boxing Day at the historic Melbourne Cricket Ground, with the series tied at 1-1.