India secured a dominant 280-run victory over Bangladesh in the first Test of the series at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on September 19.
Over the course of four days, Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja emerged as standout performers. Both players rescued India on Day 1, after early wickets, with Jadeja scoring 86 and Ashwin 113, helping the team post a total of 339 in the first innings.
Ashwin’s match-winning six-wicket haul in the second innings earned him the Player of the Match award.
Following the victory, Ashwin reflected on his close partnership with Jadeja, praising him as a key figure in the team and admiring his exceptional fielding skills.
“He’s been a very inspirational story. Over the last 3-4 years, when he’s walked in to bat, I feel calm and composed in the dressing room. It’s incredible how he’s found his off-stump and contributed so consistently,” Ashwin shared.
Describing Jadeja’s energy on the field, Ashwin added, “Jadeja on the field is a fire. He’s a rocket. I envy him. I’m jealous of him but totally admire him. In the last 4-5 years, I’ve learned to admire him even more.”
Ashwin also highlighted the importance of maintaining his fitness at 38, emphasizing the benefit of the breaks between matches.
“There are good breaks between games. Hopefully, we’ll get small windows for me to keep ironing out my fitness. More than skill, it’s about physically being able to get through the season, which is crucial for me,” he concluded.