Former England Legend picks THIS Indian cricketer as his ‘Current Favourite Cricketer’
Former England opener Geoffrey Boycott has revealed that Indian star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja is currently his favourite cricketer. Speaking on the Stick to Cricket podcast, hosted by fellow England cricketing greats Michael Vaughan, Alastair Cook, Phil Tufnell, and David Lloyd-Boycott praised Jadeja not just for his all-round skills, but also for the energy and spirit he brings to the game.
Boycott, who scored over 8,000 runs in 108 Test matches, admitted he’s never met Jadeja personally, but has always admired his game from afar.
“I like Jadeja. I’ve always liked him, even though I don’t know him and have never met him,” Boycott said on the podcast. “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 highlighted Jadeja’s energy and character, saying,
“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.”
A Modern-Day Great
Jadeja’s career numbers speak volumes about his impact on the game. Across formats, the Indian all-rounder has played 363 matches, scoring 7,207 runs at an average of 33.83, with five centuries and 40 half-centuries. With the ball, he’s taken 615 wickets at an average of 29.42, including 17 five-wicket hauls and three ten-wicket hauls – remarkable numbers for any player, let alone one who regularly bats in the lower middle order.
However, it’s in Test cricket where Jadeja has truly cemented his legacy.
In 85 Tests, he has scored 3,886 runs at an impressive average of 37.72, including five centuries and 40 fifties. As a bowler, he has 330 wickets to his name, at a stunning average of 25.16, including 15 five-fors and three ten-wicket match hauls.
Stellar Tour of England
Jadeja’s most recent heroics came during India’s tour of England, where he had a sensational run. He finished as India’s fourth-highest run-scorer, with 516 runs in 10 innings at an average of 86.00, including one century and five fifties. He also contributed with the ball, picking up seven key wickets in crucial situations.
With this tour, Jadeja became the third-highest Indian run-getter in England (1,158 runs), behind only Sachin Tendulkar (1,575) and Rahul Dravid (1,376). He has also taken 34 wickets in England, making him one of the most successful Indian all-rounders in overseas conditions.
A particularly striking stat, only the legendary Garry Sobers of the West Indies has more runs and wickets in England than Jadeja among players who have batted primarily at number six or below. Sobers managed 1,820 runs and 62 wickets, while Jadeja stands tall with 1,158 runs and 34 wickets.