Aakash Chopra claims Ravindra Jadeja is World No.1 Test all-rounder

Former Indian cricketer-turned-commentator, Aakash Chopra, has boldly claimed that Ravindra Jadeja is the best all-rounder in the world in Test cricket. His statement on Jadeja’s evolution as an all-rounder came after his crucial contribution to India’s 280-run win over Bangladesh in the first Test in Chennai.

India's emphatic win over Bangladesh in Chennai not only secured them a 1-0 lead in the ongoing two-match Test series against Bangladesh but also highlighted the prowess of Jadeja.

While Ravichandran Ashwin stole the spotlight with a brilliant century and six-wicket haul, Jadeja's contributions were equally impressive, with an 86-run innings and five wickets across both innings.

Aakash Chopra declares Ravindra Jadeja the world's best Test all-rounder

Chopra emphasized that Jadeja has consistently outperformed everyone over the past couple of years. The left-arm spinner’s journey from a budding all-rounder to a cricketing powerhouse is nothing short of remarkable.

Jadeja, who was initially known for his spin bowling and exceptional fielding, has honed his batting skills to become a formidable force for India in all three formats of the game.

His ability to impact matches with both bat and ball makes him an invaluable asset for the Indian team. Chopra admitted that Ashwin scored a century and picked up six wickets during India’s 280-run win over Bangladesh in the first Test, but Jadeja is far better than the seasoned off-spinner.

The commentator said that Jadeja is the best all-rounder in the world at the moment. Chopra has openly claimed that there is no match for Ashwin’s excellence with Jadeja, saying the latter is not only a talented batter and spinner but also an amazing fielder.

There is no better all-rounder than him at the moment: Aakash Chopra on Ravindra Jadeja

Aakash Chopra was quoted as saying by Colors Cineplex: “If we talk about absolute cold stats and the last two years of cricket, he is the No. 1 Test all-rounder in the world. There is no better all-rounder than him at the moment. Of course, because Ashwin scored a century and picked up a five-wicket haul in this match, it will be discussed more.”

Chopra added, “However, if you do a man-to-man comparison and see who is the best all-rounder in the world at the moment in Test cricket, it is Ravindra Jadeja. Ravindra Jadeja's evolution has been incredible because when he started, he was also a batter (just like Ashwin), an amazing fielder, and used to bowl so fast that you used to ask, How would he pick up wickets?”

Ravindra Jadeja proves his wicket-taking ability in challenging conditions

The commentator mentioned that there was a notion that Ravindra Jadeja's wicket-taking ability depended heavily on favorable conditions, but he has changed that perception. At the Chepauk Stadium, Jadeja showcased his prowess by taking seven wickets against England on the final day of a match where Karun Nair scored a triple century.

Aakash Chopra signed off by saying, “There was an asterisk against his name, that if the conditions are favorable, Jaddu would pick up wickets, but if he didn't get them (favorable conditions), then sorry. He changed it in this ground itself. He picked up seven wickets against England on the last day, the game in which Karun Nair scored a triple hundred.”