Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra has expressed that Ravindra Jadeja is currently the top all-rounder in Test cricket. On 10 February, during the First Test against Australia at Nagpur, Jadeja scored 66 not out and took 5/47 with his spin bowling on the first day.
And the trademark celebration is here __@imjadeja ,
Live – https://t.co/edMqDi4dkU #INDvAUS @mastercardindia pic.twitter.com/Q1TPXZVLfE– BCCI (@BCCI) February 10, 2023
In a video review of the second day’s play, Chopra praised Jadeja, saying that he can be underestimated and is currently the best Test all-rounder in the world. Chopra insisted that no one else has come close to Jadeja’s all-round performance, even more so than Ben Stokes.
“Sir Jadeja is a different story. He is probably a little underrated. He has had a bit of an off and on, but he is the best Test all-rounder in the world at the moment. Somebody would say Ben Stokes, I would say absolutely not,” Akash Chopra said on his YouTube channel.
Since the start of 2022, Jadeja has scored 394 runs at an impressive average of 98.50 and taken 15 wickets at 17.46 in just four Tests. Chopra also pointed out that Jadeja has become more alert in his game and has the ability to bat higher up the order.
“You may have some other name in mind but in my opinion there is no one else. There is no doubt that he is the best Test all-rounder in the world at the moment,” he added.
Lastly, Chopra admitted that Jadeja’s performance on Friday was not solely due to his efforts and praised Axar Patel for his unbeaten 52 in an unbroken 81-run partnership.
Who is the best all-rounder in Test cricket?
Ravindra Jadeja and Ben Stokes are currently the two most dominant all-rounders in Test cricket. Both the players have made a significant impact with both bat and ball and are considered valuable assets for their respective teams. In this comparison, we will take a look at their career stats in Test cricket to see how they stack up against each other.
Jadeja made his Test debut in 2012 and has played 63 Tests so far. He has scored 2428 runs at an average of 32.57, including two centuries and 13 half-centuries. With the ball, he has taken 213 wickets at an average of 29.17, including five five-wicket hauls.
Stokes, on the other hand, made his Test debut in 2013 and has played 65 Tests so far. He has scored 3442 runs at an average of 36.89, including six centuries and 18 half-centuries. He has taken 120 wickets at an average of 33.98, including two five-wicket hauls. From the statistics, it is clear that Stokes has a higher batting average and more centuries and fifties. However, Jadeja has been more effective with the ball, with a better average and more five-wicket hauls.
It is also important to note that both the players have put in impressive performances in important matches.
Stokes is widely remembered for his heroic performance in the 2019 World Cup final, where he scored an unbeaten 84 to help England lift the trophy. Jadeja, on the other hand, has been an exceptional performer in several crucial Tests, especially in India’s home season, where he has made valuable contributions with both bat and ball.
Lastly, both Jadeja and Stokes are exceptional all-rounders and bring a lot to Test cricket. Stokes has the edge with the bat, while Jadeja has been more effective with the ball. However, both the players have proved to be match winners in their own right and are integral parts of their respective teams. It is always exciting to see these two players face off in a Test match, and when they do, the fans will definitely be happy.