R Ashwin insists on giving more credit to 'Jackpot Jango' Ravindra Jadeja: 'He is far more gifted than I'll ever be'

Jadeja's exceptional performance during the first ODI against England in Nagpur was a testament to his prowess on the field. He proved his worth by delivering a match-winning spell that left the opposition in tatters. With three wickets to his name, he restricted the visitors to a paltry total of 248 runs, thereby playing a crucial role in his team's victory. Furthermore, he conceded only 26 runs in his nine overs, which is a remarkable feat in itself and reflects his ability to control the game.

Following the game, Ashwin, speaking on his YouTube show Ash Ki Baat, heaped praise on his former teammate while criticizing the tendency to overlook his contributions.

“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 always goes 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,” Ashwin remarked.

'Jadeja is way more gifted than I ever can be'

Ashwin further elaborated on Jadeja’s natural abilities, even suggesting that the left-arm all-rounder is a more gifted cricketer than himself.

"Jadeja is way more gifted than I ever can be. 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," Ashwin added.

Jadeja’s recent feat of reaching 600 international wickets has placed him in elite company. He is now only the fifth Indian bowler to achieve this milestone, joining legendary names like Anil Kumble (953), Ashwin (765), Harbhajan Singh (707), and Kapil Dev (697).

His tally includes 323 wickets in Tests, 220 in ODIs, and 54 in T20Is, solidifying his legacy as one of the finest all-rounders in Indian cricket history.

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