Anil Kumble criticises Ravindra Jadeja’s tactics in India’s narrow loss at Lord’s

Ravindra Jadeja’s resilient unbeaten 61 at Lord’s nearly scripted a memorable Indian victory in the third Test, but a costly tactical misjudgement in the final stages allowed England to snatch a 22-run win and take a 2-1 series lead.

Chasing 193 on a tense final day, India found themselves reeling at 82/6 when Jadeja walked in early on Day 5. Showing immense composure and clarity, he defied England’s attack while partners fell around him. His controlled knock kept Indian hopes alive deep into the chase, but the match turned dramatically in the final overs.

With just 23 runs required, Jadeja shielded Mohammed Siraj for much of the stand. But with pressure mounting, Siraj was exposed to a full over from off-spinner Shoaib Bashir — a move that former India captain Anil Kumble believes cost India a potential miracle.

“If anyone had to take the risk, it should have been Jadeja, not Siraj,” Kumble said post-match. “Exposing the tailender to Bashir at such a crucial juncture was a tactical error.”

Siraj, trying to survive the over, was bowled by Bashir, leaving Jadeja stranded and India narrowly defeated. The scenario brought back memories of India’s heartbreaking loss to Pakistan in Chennai in 1999 for Kumble, when Javagal Srinath was bowled by Saqlain Mushtaq while supporting Sachin Tendulkar. “It felt like the same,” he reflected.

While lauding Jadeja’s temperament and calculated strike rotation, Kumble noted he could have taken more initiative against England’s spinners, particularly with the pitch offering modest turn.

“Jadeja had the tools to counter them. He could’ve gone after Bashir, Root, or Woakes earlier and shifted the momentum,” he said.

Kumble also pointed to other decisive factors: India conceded 65 extras in the match — including 32 in the first innings — and Siraj was visibly unsettled after a shoulder blow from Jofra Archer late in the game.

Despite the loss, Kumble hailed the series for its gripping drama. “Every match has gone down to the wire. This is a great advertisement for Test cricket. It’s alive, and it’s thriving,” he concluded.