Ravindra Jadeja, Hardik Pandya kicked aside as Thisara Perera picks the greatest all-rounder

Sri Lankan Lions Captain Thisara Perera Picks Jacques Kallis as Best All-Rounder

Sri Lankan Lions captain Thisara Perera recently participated in a fun ‘This or That’ challenge during the Asian Legends League 2025 in Nathdwara, where he had to choose the better all-rounder between two legendary cricketers. Perera faced tough choices but ultimately declared South African great Jacques Kallis as the best all-rounder of them all.

Challenging Choices

The challenge began with a face-off between Sanath Jayasuriya and Yuvraj Singh, with Perera favoring Sri Lankan great Jayasuriya. Perera then picked Jayasuriya over Shane Watson but later gave England’s Andrew Flintoff the edge over the Sri Lankan legend. Flintoff continued to be a top pick for Perera, who even overlooked Indian all-rounders Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja.

However, when Pakistan legend Shahid Afridi entered the mix, Flintoff made the exit. Perera then chose English Test captain Ben Stokes over Afridi. In the final round, Perera crowned Jacques Kallis as the best all-rounder, choosing him over Ben Stokes.

Asian Legends League 2025

The Asian Legends League 2025 is currently being hosted at Nathdwara’s newly built Miraj International Cricket Stadium. Perera-led Sri Lankan Lions recently defeated Afghanistan Pathans in the eliminator on March 15 at the Miraj International Cricket Stadium in Udaipur.

Next, the Sri Lankan Lions will face either Indian Royals or Asian Stars in Qualifier 2 on March 17 at the same venue in Udaipur, with the final set to take place on March 18.

Perera’s Take on Udaipur Venue

Perera shared his experience playing at the Miraj International Cricket Stadium in Udaipur, stating, “It’s a really nice city. I played for a lot of IPL teams and all over India. So, I think this one is much better than a few grounds. It’s huge, and it’s nicely built by the Miraj Company. Definitely, it will be a very huge ground in the future.”

Upcoming IPL 2025

Indian Royals, with players like Shikhar Dhawan, Munaf Patel, S Badrinath, Shreevats Goswami, and Barinder Sran, are gearing up for the IPL 2025. Ben Stokes, who withdrew from the tournament, will be absent, while Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja are preparing for action.

Hardik will captain Mumbai Indians, and Jadeja will represent Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the upcoming IPL 2025. However, Pandya will miss Mumbai Indians’ tournament opener due to a slow-over rate offense from the last season.

The IPL 2025 will kick off with a match between Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings on March 23 at the M Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. The season opener will see KKR and RCB face off at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on March 22.

Perera’s Analysis of Jacques Kallis

By selecting Jacques Kallis as the ultimate all-rounder, Thisara Perera acknowledged the South African legend’s remarkable cricketing skills. Kallis, known for his exceptional batting and bowling prowess, has left an indelible mark on the sport. His ability to consistently perform at the highest level in both disciplines sets him apart as one of the greatest all-rounders in cricket history.

Perera’s choice of Kallis over contemporary all-rounders like Ben Stokes, Shahid Afridi, and Andrew Flintoff reflects a deep appreciation for the legendary player’s contributions to the game. Kallis’ technique, temperament, and longevity in international cricket make him a benchmark for aspiring cricketers aiming to excel in multiple facets of the game.

Impact of the Asian Legends League 2025

The Asian Legends League 2025 serves as a platform for veteran cricketers to showcase their skills and entertain fans with nostalgic performances. The tournament not only highlights the enduring appeal of cricket legends but also provides an opportunity for fans to relive classic rivalries and memorable moments from the past.

As teams like the Sri Lankan Lions and Afghanistan Pathans compete in the league, audiences are treated to exciting matchups featuring some of the game’s most iconic players. The tournament’s success underscores the enduring popularity of cricket in Asia and the region’s rich cricketing heritage.

Significance of Miraj International Cricket Stadium

Perera’s positive assessment of the Miraj International Cricket Stadium in Udaipur reflects the growing infrastructure and facilities available for cricket in India. The state-of-the-art venue not only enhances the playing experience for athletes but also contributes to the development of the sport at the grassroots level.

With expansive grounds and modern amenities, stadiums like Miraj International Cricket Stadium set a new standard for hosting international and domestic matches. The investment in such facilities bodes well for the future of cricket in India and paves the way for more memorable sporting events.

Anticipation for IPL 2025

The upcoming IPL 2025 season promises to deliver thrilling matches, intense rivalries, and outstanding performances from top cricketers around the world. With teams like Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings, and Indian Royals gearing up for the tournament, fans can expect an exciting competition filled with drama and excitement.

As Hardik Pandya leads Mumbai Indians and Ravindra Jadeja captains Chennai Super Kings, the stage is set for a battle of skill and strategy between some of the best players in the game. The absence of Ben Stokes from Indian Royals adds an element of unpredictability to the competition, creating opportunities for emerging talents to shine on the big stage.

With the IPL 2025 set to kick off amidst high expectations and fanfare, cricket enthusiasts worldwide eagerly await the start of another thrilling season of T20 action.