With the series tied 1-1, India needs just one win in the remaining matches to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Jadeja emphasized the significance of the Boxing Day Test.
“It’s good that we are 1-1 after three Tests. The next two games will be very interesting too. If we win even one Test, we’ll retain the trophy because we won the last two series.
“It’s a good opportunity to make that one good effort. We’ll see what happens in the last match but this is a very important and crucial match for us.”
Ashwin didn’t even give me a hint
The Brisbane Test also witnessed the retirement of veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, a decision that took Jadeja by surprise.
“I got to know about it at the last moment, almost five minutes before the press conference,” Jadeja said.
“Someone told me it was about to happen. We spent the whole day together, and he didn’t even give me a hint. I got to know at the last minute. We all know how Ashwin’s mind works.”
Ashwin retired with an illustrious record of 537 Test wickets, at an average of 24 and 3,503 runs, including six centuries. He also claimed 156 wickets in ODIs and 72 in T20Is.
Describing Ashwin as his mentor, Jadeja said: “He played like my on-field mentor. We have been playing together for so many years as bowling partners. We kept passing messages to each other on the field regarding the match situation. I will miss all these things.”
Jadeja and Ashwin shared a fruitful partnership in Tests, combining for 587 wickets across 58 matches.
Following Ashwin’s retirement, Jadeja expressed hope that the team could find a suitable replacement.
“Hopefully, the Indian team gets a better all-rounder and bowler. It’s not like nobody can replace a player. Everyone goes, but you get the replacement.
“We have to move on. We will have to move on. It is a good opportunity for youngsters to grab the opportunity.”