Former India captain Sourav Ganguly expressed deep disappointment over India’s batting collapse at Lord’s, lamenting their inability to chase down a modest target of 193 against England.
The Lord’s Test Disappointment
India faced England at Lord’s, needing to chase 193 runs to win the match and take a 2-1 lead in the series. Despite having a highly talented batting lineup, the team fell short, being bowled out for just 170.
This resulted in a 22-run defeat, leaving India trailing 1-2 in the series. Apart from Ravindra Jadeja and KL Rahul, most recognized batsmen struggled to even cross the 20-run mark, highlighting a significant batting failure.
Ganguly’s Critique on Batting
Sourav Ganguly didn’t hold back his feelings, stating he was “a little bit disappointed” with how India batted. He emphasized that with the quality of batsmen in the squad, reaching 190 runs should have been achievable.
Ganguly highlighted the missed opportunity, noting that a victory would have put India 2-1 up in the series. He believed the players themselves would feel the disappointment more deeply, given the high standards expected from them.
“If there was even a little bit of fight from the top, this game would have been India’s match,” Ganguly remarked, pointing to the crucial role the top-order played in the team’s downfall.
Jadeja’s Exceptional Performance
Amidst the batting struggles, Ravindra Jadeja stood out with a gritty, unbeaten 61 runs. Ganguly showered praise on Jadeja, calling him “exceptional” and a “special player.”
Ganguly lauded Jadeja’s all-round capabilities in batting, bowling, and fielding, noting his long and impactful career for India across formats. He specifically pointed out how Jadeja’s batting has significantly improved over the years with experience, making him a vital part of the current team.
How the Final Day Unfolded
The final day of the Test began with India needing 135 more runs to win, and England requiring six wickets. England’s bowlers, led by Jofra Archer and Ben Stokes, made quick work of India’s top and middle order.
Although England managed to get four Indian batsmen out before lunch, they faced stiff resistance in the later sessions. However, India eventually succumbed, being dismissed for 170, marking a disappointing end to their chase.
- India failed to chase 193 runs against England at Lord’s, losing by 22 runs.
- Former captain Sourav Ganguly criticized the top-order’s lack of fight.
- Ravindra Jadeja was the lone fighter for India, scoring an unbeaten 61.
- Ganguly stressed that with more application from the top, the match could have been India’s.
The Lord’s defeat serves as a crucial lesson for the Indian team as they look to bounce back in the remainder of the series, hoping to apply Ganguly’s insights on fighting till the very end.
