Jadeja is way more gifted than I ever can be: Ravichandran Ashwin

Ace Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja has been an important player in the national setup for over a decade, shining in all three formats. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball and his brilliant fielding skills have made him one of India's most dependable all-rounders. Recently, one of India’s finest off-spinners, Ravichandran Ashwin heaped huge praise on Jadeja, mentioning that the media often fails to appreciate his contributions.

During the recent first ODI between India and England in Nagpur, the Saurashtra-born delivered an impressive performance, picking up three wickets for just 26 runs in nine overs. His spell restricted the visitors to a total of 248. With those figures, the veteran all-rounder became the highest wicket-taker in India vs England contests.

Following Jadeja’s match-winning performance, Ashwin on his YouTube show, Ash Ki Baat, expressed his admiration for his ex-teammates skills and pointed out that Jadeja brings immense value to the team.

“Our media fails to appreciate when a player does well. Whenever we lose, everyone becomes a villain. He dismissed Joe Root (in the 1st IND vs ENG ODI). Jadeja goes always under the radar. He is a “Jackpot Jango”. He is +10 in the field, also bowls well and bats in pressure situations as well. We don’t give Jadeja enough credit,” he said.

Also Read: 'Seemed this wouldn't happen in Rohit's captaincy' - Aakash Chopra on Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja playing together

Jadeja is a born athlete: Ravi Ashwin

When asked about Jadeja closing in on his career wickets tally, Ashwin had an even bigger compliment for his ex-teammate calling him a more gifted cricketer than himself.

"Jadeja is way more gifted than I ever can. He is a born athlete. His major advantages lie in his physical fitness. He is naturally fit. Even at this age, he can cover the entire area from long on to deep square leg while standing at mid-wicket. I wouldn’t be surprised. And I will be more than happy for him," he added.

Watch the video below: 

Jadeja’s recent feat of 600 international wickets has made him join an elite list of bowlers, becoming only the fifth Indian to achieve this mark, following legends like Anil Kumble (953), Ashwin (765), Harbhajan Singh (707), and Kapil Dev (697). His 600 wickets include 323 in Tests, 220 in ODIs, and 54 in T20Is, placing him among the game's greats.