Ravindra Jadeja vs Ben Stokes: Who’s Better All-Rounder After 84 Matches?
Cricket has always celebrated its great all-rounders. Since the days of Sir Garfield Sobers and Kapil Dev, the role of the all-rounder has been seen as the heartbeat of a balanced Test team. In the modern era, two names often dominate this conversation, none other than India’s Ravindra Jadeja and England’s Ben Stokes.
Both are fierce competitors, match-winners in their own right, and players who bring a unique energy to the game. Interestingly, both Jadeja and Stokes have played 84 Test matches at this point in their careers. This gives us the perfect opportunity to put their records side by side and analyse who comes out on top.
The results of this direct comparison may surprise many fans. This is especially so because Stokes’ reputation is well-known as one of the most influential cricketers of this generation.
Overall Stats Comparison (After 84 Tests)
Verdict: The numbers are clearly in Jadeja’s favour. He has a good average with the bat, and is also very good with the ball. He has also had more winning bowling performances than Stokes, taking 15 five-wicket hauls and 3 ten-wicket hauls.
In shots, Jadeja offers consistency and impact, while Stokes often shines with skill.
Batting Breakdown
Innings Played
- Jadeja: 126
- Stokes: 154
Due to his role as a top/middle order batsman, Stokes has played more innings, while Jadeja has mostly played lower down the order. Despite this difference in batting position, Jadeja’s average of 37.86 is higher than Stokes’ 35.94.
Conversion Rate (50s to 100s)
- Stokes: 1 century every 2.82 half-centuries
- Jadeja: 1 century every 6.2 half-centuries
This is where Stokes has the upper hand. His 135* against Australia at Headingley in 2019 is etched in cricketing folklore. Jadeja, on the other hand, has more half-centuries but often fails to convert them into centuries.
Batting Away from Home
- Jadeja: Average 40.04
- Stokes: Average 35.50
Stokes is considered a good batsman, but Jadeja has shown better adaptability in foreign conditions, scoring more than 40 runs outside India. His batting has improved abroad, especially in host countries. Because if India has managed to maintain stability in their middle-lower order.
Batting decisions: Stokes is ahead in terms of conversions and memorable innings. But Jadeja’s determination makes him equally important as a batsman.
Bowling Breakdown
Wickets Per Match
- Jadeja: 3.93
- Stokes: 2.20
Jadeja’s wicket-taking ability is very good. Around 4 wickets in every Test shows his role as a strike bowler for India, especially in spin-friendly conditions at home.
Bowling Average
- Jadeja: 25.06
- Stokes: 32.24
A bowling average of less than 30 is considered world-class bowling, and Jadeja comfortably meets that standard. Stokes, while useful with the ball, is often used as a supporting character rather than a frontline bowler.
Five-Wicket Hauls
- Jadeja: 15 (one in every 5.6 Tests)
- Stokes: 4 (one in every 21 Tests)
Jadeja is a true match-winner with the ball, capable of running through the sides. Stokes, on the other hand, has rarely bowled so impressively.
Bowling decisions: There is no contest here as Jadeja is leading the league. His ability to consistently trouble batsmen at home and abroad places him among the best spinners in Test cricket.
Continue Reading: Shubman Gill vs Yashasvi Jaiswal: Stats Comparison in T20Is/Tests/ODI
Team Impact
India with Jadeja
- Win rate: 57.1%
- Contribution to win:
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238 wickets in 49 Tests at an average of 4.86 wickets per match.
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Batting average of 40.04 at home.
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Jadeja’s influence cannot be ignored. No matter if it’s holding one end tightly, or chipping in with runs, he has been a dominant Test side, particularly at home. But now he been increasing his skills for abroad as well.
England with Stokes
- Win rate: 41.7%
- Stokes’ batting prowess has often made headlines, but his impact with the ball has been inconsistent.
- His batting averages abroad are low, and his bowling doesn’t always produce match-winning spells.
Impact verdict: Stokes has certainly produced memorable moments. But Jadeja’s impact has been more consistent, regular and central to India’s Test success.
Leadership & Intangibles
It would be unfair not to consider the intangible aspects of these two cricketers.
- Ben Stokes: England’s inspiring leader and fighter. His aggression and ability to move forward in big matches make him one of the great big match players of the modern era. He thrives under pressure and has a rare aura of fearlessness.
- Ravindra Jadeja: India’s quiet warrior. Unlike Stokes, Jadeja grabs headlines with credibility rather than flamboyance. His disciplined left-arm spin and low-cost batting have made him India’s best utility player. He may not always produce hit moments, but his consistency and balance make him a wonder.
Conclusion
After 84 Test matches, the statistics and context tell us a clear story:
- With the bat: Stokes has more “big” innings and better conversions, but Jadeja is more adaptable overseas and has a higher overall average.
- With the ball: Jadeja is in a different league, with a better average, strike rate and significantly more wickets.
- With impact: India’s win rate is much better with Jadeja in the team, and his contribution to wins is huge.
In simple terms:
- Jadeja embodies consistency + balance + match-winning impact.
- Stokes represents moments of brilliance + inspirational leadership.
While both are great cricketers, after 84 Tests Ravindra Jadeja has emerged as the more complete and effective all-rounder.
FAQs: Questions And Answers
Q1. Who has a better batting average after 84 Tests, Jadeja or Stokes?
Ravindra Jadeja, with an average of 37.86, has a better batting average than Ben Stokes’ 35.94 despite batting lower in the order.
Q2. Who is more effective with the ball?
Jadeja is more effective, with a bowling average of 25.06 and 330 wickets compared to Stokes’ average of 32.24 and 185 wickets.
Q3. Who has played more match-winning innings with the bat?
Stokes. His centuries, especially in high-pressure situations like the 2019 Headingley Ashes Test. Jadeja has played less prestigious innings but is more consistent.
Q4. Which player has had a bigger impact on the team’s success?
Jadeja. India’s winning percentage is usually higher with him in the team. He has contributed with bat, ball and fielding, in short, all.
Q5. Who is the best all-rounder overall?
While both are world class, Ravindra Jadeja surpasses Ben Stokes as the more complete all-rounder after 84 Tests. His superior bowling record and consistent batting contribution give him the advantage.
