India’s star all-rounder wins hearts with gritty 61 but England take 2-1 lead in dramatic third Test*
Ravindra Jadeja stood tall amid ruins at Lord’s. Batting at No. 7, the all-rounder gave Indian fans a glimmer of hope with an unbeaten 61 off 181 balls in what turned into a gutsy last-stand. But despite his heroics, India fell 22 runs short against England in the third Test, handing the hosts a 2-1 lead in the five-match series.
Head coach Gautam Gambhir didn’t hold back in his praise, calling Jadeja’s performance “an incredible fight.” In a special video tribute posted by the BCCI titled “The MVP ft. Ravindra Jadeja,” Gambhir and others paid glowing tributes to the 35-year-old, whose knock was as valiant as it was painful to witness in defeat.
A Gritty Knock That Deserved Better
Jadeja’s 61* might not have sealed a win, but it was a masterclass in patience and technique.
He walked in with India wobbling at 69/6. By the time the ninth wicket fell, he had faced over 150 deliveries. Alongside tailenders Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, he defied the English attack on a deteriorating pitch.
It wasn’t flashy, but it was full of heart.
There were no rash shots. Just a man holding the line when everything else had crumbled. England kept throwing challenges—short balls, seam, spin—but Jadeja held on, carrying India’s hopes on his shoulders for nearly four hours.
He was the only batter to pass fifty in the second innings. The top eight batters, including Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, failed to last 40 overs together.
Gambhir, Tendo, and Siraj Praise “Proper Batter” Jadeja
Gambhir, never one to dish out compliments lightly, was visibly moved. In the BCCI video, he called Jadeja’s innings “absolutely brilliant” and hailed the mental toughness it showcased.
Ryan ten Doeschate, India’s batting coach and Gambhir’s right-hand man, was equally emphatic. “His batting has reached another level,” he said. “I’ve watched him for so many years and how he’s developed his game now—his defence is rock solid, looks like a proper batter.”
There was admiration in every word.
Even Siraj, who batted alongside Jadeja in the final stages, chipped in. “It’s very difficult to get a player like me, and we are lucky to have such a player in our team,” he said, chuckling—perhaps a little tongue-in-cheek, but sincere nonetheless.
Bumrah and Siraj: The Unsung Support Cast
Jadeja wasn’t alone in his fight. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, known more for their bowling than batting, stepped up with nerves of steel.
Together, the trio batted out more than 34 overs. Bumrah scored just five off 54 balls, while Siraj survived 30 deliveries for his four. But it wasn’t about runs—it was about resistance.
And it nearly worked.
Here’s a quick snapshot of India’s final stand:
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Partnership Duration: 34.2 overs
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Runs Scored (Jadeja-Bumrah-Siraj): 61 (unbeaten) + 5 + 4
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Balls Faced: Jadeja (181), Bumrah (54), Siraj (30)
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Total overs batted together: Over 2 hours
Eventually, Siraj fell to Shoaib Bashir, leaving Jadeja stranded as India folded for 170 in 74.5 overs.
What Went Wrong for India?
The loss wasn’t on Jadeja. It was on a top order that looked clueless against England’s bowling.
Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal fell cheaply. Kohli showed intent but couldn’t convert. Gill, Iyer, Pant—all got out without applying themselves. There was no partnership, no momentum.
England’s bowlers hunted in packs. Chris Woakes, Bashir, and Mark Wood never let up. Every wicket was earned, and they smelled blood early.
India’s batting card read like a horror story by tea.
| Batter | Runs | Balls Faced |
|---|---|---|
| Rohit Sharma | 12 | 31 |
| Yashasvi Jaiswal | 18 | 23 |
| Virat Kohli | 9 | 27 |
| Shubman Gill | 7 | 22 |
| Rishabh Pant | 14 | 36 |
| Shreyas Iyer | 5 | 17 |
| Ravindra Jadeja | 61* | 181 |
| Bumrah | 5 | 54 |
| Siraj | 4 | 30 |
That table says it all.
A Glimpse of Jadeja 2.0
This wasn’t the swashbuckling Jadeja who smacks sixes and raises his bat with a sword celebration. This was a grittier, grimmer version—more Rahul Dravid than MS Dhoni.
And it’s not new.
In the last two Tests, Jadeja has been India’s most consistent batter. His shot selection, defence, and calm presence have added layers to his game that once felt missing.
His ability to absorb pressure and bat with the tail has made him invaluable. And at Lord’s, he almost pulled off a miracle.
Gambhir’s praise wasn’t just about one innings—it was about the evolution of a cricketer who now commands respect in every department.
