In the wake of India’s narrow 22-run defeat at Lord’s, the spotlight has once again turned to Ravindra Jadeja—not just for his all-round ability, but for his growing stature as India's go-to man in crisis.
The veteran left-arm spin-bowling all-rounder produced a masterclass in patience and resilience with an unbeaten 61 off 181 balls on the final day, nearly dragging India across the finish line in a tense chase of 190.
While the loss handed England a 2-1 lead in the five-match Test series, Jadeja's fourth consecutive Test fifty stood out as a beacon of resistance. His gritty partnerships of 35 with Jasprit Bumrah and 23 with Mohammed Siraj prolonged India’s fight deep into the final session.
Gambhir Hails Jadeja's Grit
India's newly appointed head coach Gautam Gambhir was among the first to acknowledge Jadeja's defiant stand. “That was an incredible fight. The fight from Jaddu was absolutely brilliant,” Gambhir said in a video released by the BCCI.
Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate highlighted the evolution of Jadeja’s batting, noting the calmness and technical maturity he brings to the lower-middle order. “His batting has just reached another level. In the last two Tests the consistency and the calmness he brought to the dressing room… watching him for so many years and how he's developed his game now, his defence is rock solid, looks like a proper batter.”
Siraj All In Praise For Jadeja
Jadeja, long celebrated for his athleticism and bowling guile, is now being increasingly seen as a complete Test cricketer—something fast bowler Mohammed Siraj believes makes him irreplaceable.
“As a player in the team, Jaddu bhai is extraordinary in fielding, bowling, and batting. The improvement that has come in batting—he makes runs in every important situation for the team. It's very difficult to find such a player. We are lucky to have him.”
Sitanshu Kotak, India’s batting coach and a former teammate of Jadeja at Saurashtra, underlined his ability to absorb pressure in demanding situations. “I always felt he has the ability to take pressure. Anyone with so much experience will be mature. He normally comes with something that the team needs in any challenging conditions. He’s really, really valuable to the team.”
India now head to Manchester with a must-win fourth Test looming large, starting July 23. With Jadeja in imperious form and drawing praise from all corners of the dressing room, India will be hoping their all-round talisman can once again lead the charge as they look to level the series ahead of the finale at The Oval
