"We spent the entire day together, and Ashwin didn't even hint at me," Jadeja said "five minutes" prior to retiring.

Just five minutes before the press conference, Ravindra Jadeja disclosed that he learned of Ravichandran Ashwin's retirement.

Following the completion of the third Test match between Australia and India at the Gabba, Ravichandran Ashwin announced his retirement from international cricket, leaving all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja "shocked" like everyone else. Five minutes before Ashwin's farewell news conference to international cricket, Jadeja disclosed that he learned of the off-spinner's retirement.

One of Test cricket's most formidable bowling combinations was that of Jadeja and Ashwin. Together, the pair took 587 wickets in 58 Test matches.

The two spinners have surpassed Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh (501 wickets) as India's most successful bowling duo.

Five minutes prior to the press conference, I learned of the retirement at the eleventh hour. It was startling. He didn't even hint at me during the entire day that we spent together. At the last minute, I found out. At the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Saturday, Jadeja told reporters, "We all understand Ashwin's mentality."

'On-field mentor' Ashwin for Jadeja
Jadeja called Ashwin his "on-field mentor" because of their remarkable friendship and camaraderie. But the left-arm spinner believes that now that Ashwin, who took 537 Test wickets, is retired, young players should try to seize the chance.

India was frequently saved by Ashwin and Jadeja at bat as well; the most recent example was earlier this year during the Chennai Test match against Bangladesh.

He serves as a mentor to me on the field. For many years, we have been playing together. On the field, we were constantly communicating with one another about the state of the game and the hitters' intentions," Jadeja remarked.

"All of this will be missed. All we can aspire for is to acquire a bowler and all-rounder who is superior to Ashwin. It's not as though a player can't be replaced. You receive the replacement, but everyone else leaves. We must go on. There are always talented people in India; nobody is indispensible. It's time for us to move on. Any young person should seize this fantastic chance," he continued.

Jadeja's 77 in the opening innings of the third Test match against Australia enabled India win by a tie. This innings, according to the all-rounder, gave him more confidence.

"It gives you confidence to score outside when the team is in a difficult situation," he remarked.

"The mindset will remain unchanged. I will play in accordance with the role of the team, and you will have to play in accordance with the circumstances of the match," he continued.

At the moment, the Border-Gavaskar Trophy is level. The Boxing Day Test between Australia and India will now start on December 26, 2024, at MCG.