Ravindra Jadeja over Fab 4: Geoffrey Boycott picks his favorite modern cricketer

Michael Vaughan asked Geoffrey Boycott to name his favorite modern cricketer and offered the iconic Fab Four – Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, Kane Williamson and Joe Root – as options. But Boycott had a surprising answer. Instead of choosing any of the four batting giants, the former England captain chose Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja.

The choice to boycott may have caught Vaughan off guard, but his reasoning was clear. Jadeja, according to the former England great, has everything a modern cricketer needs – quality bowling, reliable batting and an electric field. For Boycott, the 37-year-old is the definition of a complete all-rounder.

“Jadeja? Oh, I love Jadeja too. He bowls beautifully, his fielding is electric and he can bat too. He puts his head down and he can bat really well. And he’s handsome anyway,” Boycott said on the Stick to Cricket podcast.

“I first met him recently when I went to India, was it last year? I remember just watching him and thinking, sure, I love him. He’s very handsome, isn’t he? Nice lad, yeah, and just a good cricketer, isn’t he? A real all-round cricketer,” Boycott added.

JADEJA: THE ORIGINAL VERSATILE WITH ELECTRIC HANDS

Jadeja’s numbers underline exactly why Boycott holds him in such high regard. In 91 Tests, the left-hander scored 4,160 runs, including six centuries and 28 half-centuries, while also taking 356 wickets at an average of 25.30. He belongs to a rare group of players who have combined more than 4,000 test runs with over 350 wicketsemphasizing its extraordinary value to India.

His recent performances have further strengthened his reputation as one of the best all-round actors. During India’s Test tour of England in 2025, Jadeja scored five consecutive half-centuries and amassed 517 runs, playing a key role as India drew the series.

Then there’s his fielding, probably the most notable part of his game. Whether deployed at covers, in the spot or guarding the boundary, Jadeja’s speed, anticipation and powerful throwing arm have created countless memorable moments. His international record includes 50 Test catches, 79 ODI catches and 28 catches in T20Is, while he was also involved in many runs.

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Issued by:

sabyasachi chowdhury

Published on:

02 Sep 2026 15:58 IST