Ravindra Jadeja is Geoffrey Boycott’s Current Favorite Cricketer

Cricket icon Geoffrey Boycott has revealed his admiration for Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, naming him his favorite cricketer at present. Speaking on the *Stick to Cricket* podcast, the former England opener highlighted Jadeja’s outstanding all-around skills and the enthusiasm he injects into the sport. Despite never having met Jadeja personally, Boycott, who has a strong record of over 8,000 runs in 108 Test matches, expressed his long-standing appreciation for the Indian player’s abilities. “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 shared on the podcast. He further emphasized Jadeja’s vibrant personality and mental fortitude, 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.”
Jadeja’s career is marked by impressive statistics, demonstrating his impact across different formats. He has played 363 matches, amassing 7,207 runs at an average of 33.83, including five centuries and 40 half-centuries. With the ball, he has claimed 615 wickets at an average of 29.42, highlighted by 17 five-wicket hauls and three ten-wicket hauls. In Test cricket, Jadeja’s contributions are particularly notable. In 85 Tests, he has scored 3,886 runs at an average of 37.72, including five centuries and 40 fifties. As a bowler, he has taken 330 wickets at an average of 25.16, with 15 five-fors and three ten-wicket match hauls.
Jadeja’s recent performances on India’s tour of England were outstanding, where he emerged as the fourth-highest run-scorer with 516 runs in 10 innings, averaging 86.00, including one century and five fifties. He also contributed seven wickets. This performance positioned Jadeja as the third-highest Indian run-getter in England with 1,158 runs, behind only Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid. He has taken 34 wickets in England, showcasing his prowess as a successful Indian all-rounder in overseas conditions. Notably, only Garry Sobers of the West Indies has more runs and wickets in England than Jadeja among players batting primarily at number six or below. Sobers scored 1,820 runs and took 62 wickets, while Jadeja has 1,158 runs and 34 wickets.