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"Jadeja Could've Taken Chances": Gavaskar Criticises India After Gut-Wrenching Loss At Lord's

Akshita Patel

Sunil Gavaskar questions India's intent in Lord's defeat [Source: @mufaddal_vohra, @ImHydro45/X.com]Sunil Gavaskar questions India's intent in Lord's defeat [Source: @mufaddal_vohra, @ImHydro45/X.com]

India nearly pulled off a miraculous victory in a heartbreakingly close encounter against England on Day 5 of the third Test at Lord's. In chase of 193, India required 135 runs with six wickets in hand but lost by 22 runs. Despite Ravindra Jadeja’s heroics, Sunil Gavaskar feels aggressive intent could've made a difference.

The visitors' hopes began to fade early in the day as Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer picked up key wickets. Archer dismissed Rishabh Pant with a brilliant delivery that knocked over his off stump.

Soon after, Stokes dismissed KL Rahul LBW, overturning the on-field decision successfully through a DRS review. These initial blows established the tone for the day.

Sunil Gavaskar Questions Ravindra Jadeja’s Intent

Even though India kept losing wickets, all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja stood tall with a calm and determined approach. He was somewhat supported by Nitish Reddy and Jasprit Bumrah, and contributed precious runs to push India beyond 100.

Jadeja attempted to continue the struggle, but due to the lack of support from the tail-enders, India were eventually bowled out for 170, short by 22 runs.

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar was disappointed with how the batting unit collapsed under pressure. Speaking on Sony Sports, he said that a partnership could have made a lot of difference.

"A partnership of 60-70 would have made a difference. India never got that. You could say that Jadeja could have taken the odd chance and not necessarily the aerial route when Joe Root and Shoaib Bashir was bowling. But full marks to him (Jadeja)," Gavaskar said.

He praised Ravindra Jadeja for fighting hard but also suggested that the all-rounder could have taken more risks, especially against Joe Root and Shoaib Bashir, instead of playing it too safe.

Jadeja Equals Vinod Mankad’s 73-Year-Old Record At Lord’s

All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja made history at Lord’s by becoming only the second Indian to score 50+ runs in both innings of a Test at the iconic venue, matching Vinoo Mankad’s feat from 1952.

Jadeja made 72 in the first innings and went unbeaten on 61 in the second, displaying resilience even as India lost. This also made it his fourth successive fifty-plus score in the series, joining the big boys, Rishabh Pant and Sourav Ganguly in the elusive list.

During the match, Jadeja also crossed 7000 international runs, adding another milestone to his stellar career as one of India’s most valuable all-rounders.