Lavishing praise on Ravindra Jadeja, former India batsman Aakash Chopra has called him the best allrounder in the world. The former cricketer-turned-commentator’s comment came after Jadeja’s stunning all round display in the ongoing first Test against Australia at the VCA Stadium in Nagpur.
The 34-year old has been the standout performer in the Test so far, making his mark with both bat and ball. What makes his performance even more remarkable is the fact that he is doing it on his comeback. Jadeja had not played an international game since injuring his knee in August last year.
The left-arm spinner hit the ground running on Thursday (February 9) to put India in the driver’s seat in the ongoing game. He picked up 5 wickets including the big wickets of Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith as India bowled out the visitors for just 177.
On Friday, Jadeja proved his worth by scoring an unbeaten fifty and sharing an unbeaten stand of 81 runs with fellow allrounder Axar Patel. Thanks to his knock and the partnership, the hosts finished day 2 on 321 for 7
Aakash Chopra hails Ravindra Jadeja:
Following Ravindra Jadeja’s stunning all round performance, Aakash Chopra snubbed the likes of Ben Stokes and Hardik Pandya to name him the best the allrounder in the world. Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, Aakash Chopra pointed out Jadeja’s improvement in batting as he heaped praise on him.
“In my book, he is the best all-rounder on the planet right now. His batting has improved leaps and bounds,” Chopra said on ESPNcricinfo. “The reason for that improvement is just self-belief.
“He always had the shots. I have scored 2-3 centuries in first-class cricket, he knows how to score runs and stitch innings together. I think he lacks the confidence in leaving the ball. Sometimes he gives the feeling that he is batting way to low in the order for the ability he has. Jadeja – the batter – has been sensational,” added Chopra.
Former Australia skipper Ian Chappell also had words of praise for the India star as he hailed him as a smart cricketer. Chappell said that Jadeja is very good at all three aspects of the game – batting, bowling and fielding.
“Jadeja is getting vital runs for India. I think it is something about his cricketing intelligence that he has improved remarkably as a bowler and that is a good sign. But he has also improved remarkably as a batter. He has always been a good fielder.
“He is very good at all three aspects of the game. His steady improvement in batting and bowling tells you that he is a smart cricketer,” said Chappell.