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'No Jealousy,' - R Ashwin Denies Animosity With Ravindra Jadeja Over India's Playing XI Spot

Ashwin opens up on his relationship with Jadeja (X.com)Ashwin opens up on his relationship with Jadeja (X.com)

Veteran Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has firmly dismissed any rumours of animosity or jealousy between him and Ravindra Jadeja over their competition for a spot in India's playing XI, particularly in Test format.

Individually, Ravi Ashwin and Jadeja are two of India's finest spinners. Both rank in the top 10 list of India's highest wicket-takers, and their partnership has reaped appreciable results for the Indian team.

However, in recent times, due to team combination issues, Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja have struggled to find a spot in the playing XI together. Ashwin, due to lack of all-round skills, is often made the scapegoat. 

Ashwin Praises Jadeja Amid Animosity Claims

However, irrespective of the narrative set by critics, Ashwin claims that he holds no emotion of jealousy towards Jadeja. Instead, he appreciates Jadeja's success as an elite all-rounder. 

“Jadeja is the most talented cricketer I’ve seen; everything about him is natural. Over the years, our relationship has improved as we’ve learned to understand each other’s differences. I tend to think a lot, whereas he does not. Understanding took time, but now we have a strong working relationship," Ashwin said in YouTube video.

He revealed how their working relationship evolved over time due to contrasting personalities. While Ashwin likes to plan his things, Jadeja trusts his inner instincts more than his mind. 

Meanwhile, as far as fighting for a spot in the playing XI is concerned, Ashwin does believe his axing is not Jadeja's fault. He also urged the critics to overcome the notion of jealousy as such emotions are not a norm amongst professional athletes and teammates.

“It’s not Jadeja’s fault that I’m not playing. I don’t have the kind of jealousy where I would wish to keep him out just to play myself. The notion of jealousy is a conditioning we need to overcome," he added.

Ashwin Or Jadeja: Who Will Make The Cut For the Bangladesh Series?

With the two game home Test series against Bangladesh on the horizon, Ajit Agarkar led selection committee will face a conundrum while picking up spinners for the final squad.

Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja are both available whereas Axar Patel is also an ideal choice.

Jadeja was released from the Duleep Trophy squad, citing workload issues. Hence, the CSK star appears as a confirmed choice. The rest is upto selection committee's combination needs.