‘Ben Stokes is good but Ravindra Jadeja well ahead': Kapil Dev on best all-rounder debate

Kapil Dev shuts down best all-rounder debate

Ben Stokes had one of the most remarkable Test matches of his career — excelling as a bowler, leading tactically as captain, and then producing a batting masterclass. His all-round display saw him reach several milestones. However, legendary Indian cricketer Kapil Dev weighed in on the all-rounder debate, expressing his preference for Ravindra Jadeja due to his sustained performance over time.

"I don't want to compare. Stokes is a good all-rounder, but I still feel Jadeja is ahead. He is performing far better," said Kapil Dev, India’s World Cup-winning captain from 1983, putting the debate to rest in his view, as per Hindustan Times.

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Stokes made headlines on Day 4 of the fourth Test against India by achieving a rare double in the format — joining Jacques Kallis and Sir Garfield Sobers as only the third cricketer to score over 7,000 runs and take 200 wickets in Tests. He picked up five wickets and followed it up with a commanding 141-run knock, firmly establishing England’s dominance.

With 7,032 runs from 115 Tests, Stokes has built a strong reputation as a clutch batter, especially under high-pressure situations. Averaging around 36, he has consistently delivered in crucial moments and boasts 800 fours and 133 sixes in Test cricket.

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Jadeja, while less flashy, has emerged as one of the most dependable all-rounders in recent times. From 84 Tests, he has accumulated close to 3,700 runs at an average of 36.6, including 4 hundreds and 26 fifties. His contributions with the bat often come in pressure situations, where his calmness and control shine through in the lower order.

However, the biggest contrast between the two lies in their bowling records. Jadeja has been a standout with the ball, collecting 330 Test wickets at an impressive average of 25. He has taken 15 five-wicket hauls and three 10-wicket match hauls. His pinpoint accuracy, discipline, and ability to exploit even the slightest turn make him a genuine match-winner, particularly on spin-friendly tracks.

Stokes, though effective as a medium pacer, has 229 wickets at an average of around 32. His bowling is often used to break partnerships rather than lead the attack. He has picked up five five-wicket hauls in his career, but doesn’t possess the same level of threat or consistency as Jadeja with the ball.

Currently, Jadeja sits atop the ICC Test all-rounder rankings, while Stokes is placed sixth — a reflection of Jadeja’s reliability across various surfaces and match situations. While Stokes has a history of turning up in high-stakes encounters — be it the Ashes, World Cup knockouts, or against India — Jadeja’s strength lies in his relentless consistency and his dual role as both a frontline spinner and a dependable lower-order batter.