Ravindra Jadeja is currently in action for India in their ongoing two-match Test series against West Indies on home soil. The hosts clinched the first Test comprehensively as they registered a win by an innings and 140 runs.
Jadeja contributed with both bat and ball as he remained not out on 104 and stitched a brilliant partnership with Dhruv Jurel.
While he went wicket-less in the first innings, the veteran all-rounder picked up four wickets in the second innings. His exceptional performance was rewarded with the Man of the Match award.
Add The Sporting News as a preferred news source
At 36, Jadeja remains a key member of the Indian team across all formats, although he was dropped from the ODI squad for the upcoming series against Australia in Australia.
Ahead of the second Test in Delhi, former Indian wicket-keeper Parthiv Patel hailed Jadeja as India's greatest all-rounder ever and the best all-round player in the world.
Patel also claimed that Jadeja is "far ahead" of his peers like England captain Ben Stokes and Australia ODI and Test skipper Pat Cummins.
READ: When will India travel to Australia for white-ball series?
"Jadeja far ahead of Stokes and Cummins" - Parthiv Patel
Speaking on JioHotstar, Patel said: "It’s been brilliant to see the way Jadeja has been batting. A lot of it comes down to the responsibility he’s embraced since being appointed vice-captain. Even before that, the Indian management showed faith in him, encouraging him to take responsibility with the bat and bat flexibly in the order, be it at five, six, or seven. When the dressing room trusts you like that, it changes your mindset.
"Though he is primarily an all-rounder, with the ability to take wickets, his batting contributions have become invaluable. His best innings in recent months was the resilient draw against England, where he showed maturity under pressure. In this Test match, his positive footwork and ability to stay not out without giving away his wicket were key factors."
The former Royal Challengers Bengaluru also explained why he considers Jadeja as India's greatest ever all-rounder, as he said: "Jadeja is undoubtedly India’s greatest all-rounder. With nearly 4,000 runs and approaching 335 wickets, I expect him to surpass 400 wickets and 4,000 runs by the end of his career, which is a monumental achievement. On the global stage, he is currently the number one all-rounder. There is no debate about it.
"While names like Ben Stokes, Pat Cummins, and Shakib Al Hasan come up, Jadeja stands far ahead. His exceptional consistency as both a bowler and batter across all conditions sets him apart. It’s not just occasional brilliance; it’s sustained performance that solidifies his position as the world’s best all-rounder at present."
RELATED LINKS: