Was Jadeja's Approach Correct at Lord's?
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Synopsis
In a critical assessment of Ravindra Jadeja's batting strategy during the third Test against England, former coach Greg Chappell questions if his disciplined innings was the right approach. With India needing to chase down a target of 193 runs, Chappell argues that taking calculated risks was essential for victory.
Key Takeaways
- Ravindra Jadeja scored 61 not out in a challenging chase.
- India lost the match by 22 runs, trailing 2-1 in the series.
- Chappell emphasized the need for calculated risks in cricket.
- Jadeja's conservative approach raised questions about strategy.
- Comparison made to Ben Stokes' aggressive innings in 2019.
New Delhi, July 19 (NationPress) Former head coach of India, Greg Chappell, raised concerns over whether Ravindra Jadeja’s composed innings of 61 not out off 181 balls was the appropriate strategy while chasing 193 runs in the third Test against England at Lord's. He emphasized that the all-rounder needed to take more calculated risks rather than merely blocking boundaries.
During the final day of play, Jadeja displayed his resilience, achieving his fourth consecutive fifty in Tests. Unfortunately, his commendable effort was not enough to prevent India's loss by 22 runs at Lord's, leaving them 2-1 behind in the five-match series against England.
“The Lord's Test presented a significant moment concerning how Jadeja was managed towards the end of the match. Left with the tail, Jadeja played like many specialist batsmen would in that scenario: he shielded the lower order, farmed the strike, and adopted a conservative approach. While this might seem disciplined, was it truly the right choice?”
“The reality is that Jadeja was the last recognized batter remaining. If India aimed to achieve the target, he needed to take calculated risks. His role was not just to leave balls and score singles; it was to secure a victory. This clarity should have come from the dressing room, especially from the captain.”
“He should have been told explicitly: 'You are the one who must accomplish this. The tail should support you, but you need to pursue the win,'” Chappell noted in his column for ESPNcricinfo on Saturday.
Jadeja formed crucial partnerships of 35 and 23 with Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj respectively, facing 132 and 80 deliveries. However, Chappell referenced how England approached a similar situation, highlighting how their captain, Ben Stokes, chose an aggressive strategy to lead his team to victory over Australia in the famed Headingley Test in 2019.
“We witnessed this exact scenario with England's Ben Stokes against Australia in Leeds back in 2019. In a comparable situation, he trusted himself and delivered one of the finest innings of the past half-century. Crucially, Stokes played that innings with the understanding that whether he succeeded or failed, his team and leadership would support him. This is the mindset that any great team should cultivate,” he concluded.
Point of View
We always strive to provide an unbiased perspective on cricketing events. In this case, Greg Chappell's critique of Jadeja's approach sheds light on the importance of strategic risk-taking in high-pressure situations. The insights from this match serve as a reminder of the dynamic nature of cricket and the need for adaptability.
NationPress
19/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Greg Chappell say about Jadeja's innings?
Greg Chappell questioned whether Ravindra Jadeja's disciplined knock of 61 not out was the right approach, suggesting he needed to take more calculated risks.
How did India perform in the third Test at Lord's?
India lost the third Test by 22 runs, leaving them 2-1 down in the five-match series against England.
What was the situation when Jadeja was batting?
Jadeja was the last recognized batter, and Chappell argues he needed to take risks to chase down the target of 193 runs.
What comparison did Chappell make with Ben Stokes?
Chappell compared Jadeja's situation to Ben Stokes' aggressive approach during the Headingley Test in 2019, where Stokes backed himself to secure a win.
What is the key takeaway from Jadeja's innings?
The key takeaway is the importance of taking risks in cricket, especially when in critical situations.
