Former England batter Geoffrey Boycott has heaped praise on Ravindra Jadeja. He called him handsome and a nice person. He made these comments after the Sri Lanka-India Test series. Boycott had previously called Jadeja his favourite current cricketer.
Jadeja had an impressive series against Sri Lanka. He picked up eight wickets in two Tests and helped India win the series 1-0. Boycott said Jadeja bowls beautifully, his fielding is electric, and he can bat properly. He said he met Jadeja recently and told him he was his favourite cricketer. He called him a top player and a good all-rounder.
Jadeja recently became only the fourth cricketer and second Indian to amass 4,000 runs and 350 wickets in Tests. The others are Ian Botham, Daniel Vettori, and Kapil Dev.
Almost a year ago, Boycott had said similar things about Jadeja. He said he has always liked him because he is always in the game. He praised his fielding and his energy. He said Jadeja has a smile on his face but is tough inside.
Jadeja has been one of India’s best all-format cricketers for over a decade. He has 7,580 runs and 642 wickets in 375 matches, including six centuries and 17 five-wicket hauls. He was part of India’s 2013 Champions Trophy and 2024 T20 World Cup-winning squads.
Praised Ravindra Jadeja After His Historic Test Double
Geoffrey Boycott praised Ravindra Jadeja after he achieved a unique Test double. He called Jadeja his favourite present-day cricketer. The comments came after Jadeja became only the fourth player ever to achieve the double of at least 4000 runs and 350 wickets in Test cricket. He joined Kapil Dev, Ian Botham, and Daniel Vettori in the exclusive club. Jadeja stands out in the group because he has the highest batting average and the best bowling average among them.
Boycott wrote on social media that Jadeja is his favourite present-day cricketer. He had previously praised Jadeja during India’s tour to England last year. He had said he likes Jadeja because he is always in the game. He praised his left-arm spin, fantastic fielding, and batting ability. He also said he lifts others through his performance.
Jadeja produced figures of 3 for 57 on Day 3 as India bowled out Sri Lanka for 282 in their first innings. His teammate Manav Suthar also praised him. Suthar said Jadeja’s consistency is world-class and he wants to learn from him.
Jadeja has over 4100 runs at a 38.03 average. His 351 wickets are the fifth-highest for India in Tests. His bowling average of 25.06 is only bettered by R Ashwin and Jasprit Bumrah. He was also part of India’s 2013 Champions Trophy and 2024 T20 World Cup-winning squads.
Axar Patel Replaces Ravindra Jadeja as India’s Lead ODI Spinner for 2027 World Cup Plans
India’s selectors have reportedly moved on from Ravindra Jadeja as their primary spin all-rounder in ODIs. Axar Patel is now seen as the lead spinner for the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa. His performance in the first ODI against England in Birmingham confirmed his place in the team’s plans.
Axar scored an unbeaten 57 and took 4 for 62 in that match. The team management was looking for exactly this kind of outing. They believe his profile fits South African conditions better than Jadeja’s. The pitches in South Africa offer more pace and bounce. A lone spinner will need to contribute with the bat to justify their place in a pace-heavy XI. Axar fits that role.
The selectors are not actively considering Jadeja as a first-choice option. His white-ball bowling has not been at its best for some time. His power-hitting is also not at the level it was during the 2019 World Cup cycle. His inclusion in the 2025 Champions Trophy was driven by expectations of turning pitches in Dubai, not by a broader policy shift.
Axar admitted he had been going through a difficult stretch. He said he had been trying to hit the ball too hard in T20Is. In the ODI, after a great start, he just wanted to build a partnership. He acknowledged the importance of his performance.
The decision to move on from Jadeja is a bold one. Jadeja remains a legend of Indian cricket. But international sport rewards current form and future potential. Axar’s profile is well-suited to South Africa. He bats high enough to change games. He bowls tight spells on surfaces that don’t spin much. He is also an exceptional fielder.
FAQs
Q. Who is Geoffrey Boycott’s favourite present-day cricketer?
A. His favourite present-day cricketer is Ravindra Jadeja.
Q. What Test double did Ravindra Jadeja achieve?
A. Jadeja reached 4,000 Test runs and 350 wickets.
Q. Who are the other players with this Test double?
A. Kapil Dev, Ian Botham, and Daniel Vettori achieved it.
Q. How many Test wickets does Jadeja have?
A. Jadeja has taken 356 Test wickets.
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