Pujara calls Jadeja a better all-rounder than Wasim Akram | PC- AFP
Former India cricketer Cheteshwar Pujara is getting backlash on social media, especially from Pakistan. The Test specialist recently compared Indian prolific all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja with Pakistan’s legendary Wasim Akram.
The cricketer-turned-pundit has moved into broadcasting and is actively involved in the IND vs SL Test series.
Cheteshwar Pujara calls Ravindra Jadeja better all-rounder than Wasim Akram
In a this-or-that video posted by Cricinfo, Cheteshwar Pujara picked Ravindra Jadeja as a better Test all-rounder than Wasim Akram. The former Test batter had solid reasoning for calling the Indian a better all-rounder, stating that Akram was a proper bowler who could bat.
“No offence to Wasim Bhai, he’s not an all-rounder. He’s a proper bowler who can bat a bit,” Pujara said while apologisingly picking his former teammate.
Also Read: Ravindra Jadeja Belittled By Ravichandran Ashwin As A Bowler In Massive Verdict
Furthermore, he also picked Jadeja over the likes of Ravichandran Ashwin, Chris Cairns, Andrew Flintoff, Shaun Pollock, and Ravi Shastri. But Jadeja lost to Sir Ian Botham in Cheteshwar Pujara’s packing order.
Fans mock Pujara for calling Ravi Jadeja better all-rounder than Wasim Akram
However, Cheteshwar Pujara’s comments have caused concern among Pakistan fans. Although the majority of social media users agree with the Indian cricketer, a certain section is not pleased with him.
A user alleged Pujara of intentionally negating the 'impact’ the Pakistan fast bowler had. While one fans stated that there is "no comparision" between the two cricketers.
A netizen also brought the Virat Kohli vs Babar Azam debate into the equation while arguing on the comparision.
That said, an internet user agreed with Pujara by opining that Akram is a better bowler, while Jadeja’s credentials as a Test bowler should not be neglected.
How Jadeja compares to Wasim Akram as a Test all-rounder?
Regarded as the finest bowler of his generation, Wasim Akram once had the most Test wickets by a left-arm seamer, but Australia’s Mitchell Starc broke his illustrious record last year during the Pink-ball SCG Test against England.
With the bat, Akram racked up 2898 runs at 22.64, featuring three centuries and seven half-centuries. He even has the highest score (257 not out) while batting at number 8. However, these credentials pale in comparison to Jadeja's.
Although the Indian all-rounder is still trailing behind Akram in the wicket tally, Jadeja is rated one of the best all-rounders of all time. In 90 matches, he has scored 4117 runs at 37.77, including six tons and 28 fifties.
That said, Akram himself once appreciated Jadeja's credentials by calling him a "proper all-rounder" back in 2024 after his T20I retirement.
| Criterion | Ravindra Jadeja | Wasim Akram |
| Matches | 90 | 104 |
| Runs | 4117 | 2898 |
| 50s/100s | 6/28 | 3/7 |
| Wickets | 352 | 414 |
| 5ws/10ws | 15/3 | 25/5 |
How crucial will IND vs SL 2nd Test be for Ravindra Jadeja?
Ravindra Jadeja, who returned to the India Test team for the IND vs SL Tests, had a mediocre outing at Galle. During the first Test match against Sri Lanka, he returned with just four wickets on a spinning wicket, along with 22 runs in two innings.
However, Team India will look for better returns from their prolific all-rounder in the second and final Test at Colombo (SSC).
That said, at 37, he is still among the better-performing players in the Indian Test fold. But Jadeja will look to get back to his best in all departments in the IND vs SL 2nd Test.
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