I got to know R Ashwin was retiring 5 minutes before he announced it: Ravindra Jadeja

Border-Gavaskar Trophy: Ravindra Jadeja revealed that R Ashwin did not give him the slightest hint about his retirement, even though the two shared adjacent seats in the Indian dressing room at the Gabba on the final day of the third Test.

In Short

• R Ashwin retired from international cricket on December 18
• Ashwin announced his call minutes after the third Test in Brisbane
• Jadeja said Ashwin's sudden call left him in shock

All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja said he was as surprised as the rest of the cricketing world when he learnt about R Ashwin's retirement on Day 5 of the third Test between India and Australia. Jadeja revealed that Ashwin and he had been sitting together throughout the final day's play, but his former spin partner did not give the slightest hint about the significant decision that followed.

Speaking to the press on Saturday, December 21, after India's first training session in Melbourne, Ravindra Jadeja addressed Ashwin's announcement, which had made headlines last week.

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"I got to know about it only in 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. Obviously, I was surprised because we both were sitting together throughout that day. He didn't even give a hint. I got to know in the last minute. Yes, we all know Ashwin's mind and how it works," Jadeja said.

Ashwin made an unforeseen announcement minutes after the third Test in Brisbane ended in a draw on 18 December. The veteran off-spinner stated that he was retiring with immediate effect. Ashwin left the team at the conclusion of the third Test and reached Chennai the following day.

The timing of R Ashwin's retirement has left the cricketing world divided. However, Jadeja emphasised that it was time for the team to move on and ensure the youngster stepping in for Ashwin gains as much experience and exposure as possible in the days ahead.

"We have to move on. In India, it's not like you won't get someone who can replace him. Everybody knows we will get someone.

"It's a good opportunity for a youngster who comes into the team and to prove himself at this level," Jadeja added.

India have fielded as many as three spinners across the first three Tests. Washington Sundar played as the lone spinner in the series opener in Perth, while Ashwin featured in the pink-ball Test in Adelaide, which was his final match. For the third Test in Brisbane, India replaced Ashwin with Ravindra Jadeja in the playing XI.

JADEJA ON NOT PLAYING FIRST TWO TESTS

While Jadeja could not make a significant impact with the ball, he stepped up with the bat when his team needed him the most. Jadeja scored a crucial 77 runs in the first innings of the rain-affected Brisbane Test, ensuring that India avoided a follow-on.

India were struggling at 74 for 5 after losing key players, including Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, cheaply in response to Australia's first innings total of 445. However, KL Rahul and Jadeja stitched together a vital 67-run partnership to steer the team out of trouble.

Reflecting on his innings, Jadeja said the match-saving knock in Brisbane would boost his confidence for the rest of the series. He credited the time he spent training during the first two Tests as a crucial factor in his performance.

"The first two Tests I didn't play, but it gave me an opportunity to practice and get used to conditions. All the time I got to understand the conditions, bowl on these pitches and bat on these pitches, it made me familiar with these conditions. All the hard work in the nets helped me in the match," he said.

With the series level at 1-1, India and Australia are set to face off in the fourth Test, beginning on Boxing Day at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground.