Geoffrey Boycott, the former England opening batsman, has selected Ravindra Jadeja as his current favorite cricketer, highlighting the Indian all-rounder’s remarkable skills and dynamic presence on the field. During the *Stick to Cricket* podcast, Boycott, alongside fellow cricketing legends Michael Vaughan, Alastair Cook, Phil Tufnell, and David Lloyd, articulated his admiration for Jadeja’s all-round abilities and the positive influence he brings to the game. Boycott, who scored over 8,000 runs in 108 Test matches, admitted he has always been a fan of Jadeja from a distance, despite not having a personal connection. “I like Jadeja… He’s always in the game – bowling left-arm spin, brilliant in the field, and more than handy with the bat. But more than that, he lifts the whole team with his presence. That kind of influence can’t be measured in stats,” Boycott stated. He further emphasized Jadeja’s cheerful and resilient character. “He always has a smile on his face, but he’s tough inside. That’s the kind of cricketer I love – competitive, cheerful, and mentally strong. He’s helped Chennai Super Kings win five IPL titles, and in Test cricket too, he’s been exceptional for India.”
Jadeja’s career statistics underscore his immense impact in cricket. Across all formats, Jadeja has played 363 matches, scoring 7,207 runs at an average of 33.83, with five centuries and 40 half-centuries. He has also taken 615 wickets at an average of 29.42, including 17 five-wicket hauls and three ten-wicket hauls. In Test cricket, Jadeja’s legacy is significantly pronounced. In 85 Tests, he has amassed 3,886 runs at an average of 37.72, including five centuries and 40 fifties, while also taking 330 wickets at an average of 25.16, highlighted by 15 five-fors and three ten-wicket match hauls.
Jadeja’s standout performance during India’s tour of England further cemented his reputation. He finished as the fourth-highest run-scorer for India, accumulating 516 runs in 10 innings at an average of 86.00, featuring one century and five fifties. Additionally, he secured seven key wickets. His performance positioned him as the third-highest Indian run-getter in England (1,158 runs), surpassed only by Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid. Moreover, he has taken 34 wickets in England, making him one of the most successful Indian all-rounders in overseas conditions. Strikingly, only Garry Sobers of the West Indies has surpassed Jadeja’s combined runs and wickets in England among players who have primarily batted at number six or below. Sobers managed 1,820 runs and 62 wickets, while Jadeja recorded 1,158 runs and 34 wickets.
