While all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja's fighting knock of 61 off 181 balls in the second innings of the third Lord's Test was much appreciated by a few experts and majority of fans, numerous experts also debated that the southpaw did not take enough risks to see India through in a modest run-chase of 193 runs, despite being eight and nine down. After the hosts' 22-run win, a lot of experts like Sunil Gavaskar, Anil Kumble, Sourav Ganguly, Ashwin, etc, stated that Jadeja should have batted with a lot more intent. However, contrary to these experts' perceptions, head coach Gautam Gambhir appreciated the all-rounder's valiant innings.
At one moment on Day five of the Lord's Test, the game was dead and buried in the first session itself, as the visitors had lost four wickets. However, Jadeja was not ready to give up. First up, Reddy offered a brief resistance before Jasprit Bumrah and Siraj almost helped the southpaw to win India a game and take a 2-1 lead in the five-match Test series.
A couple of days later, after India's heartbreaking loss, the BCCI posted a video on Friday, July 18, revealing Gambhir's blunt message to Ravindra Jadeja.
"That was an incredible fight. The fight from Jaddu, that was absolutely brilliant," Gambhir told Jadeja after India's defeat propelled England to a 2-1 lead in the five-match series.
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Mohammed Siraj effusive in praise of Jadeja's never-die attitude
Siraj, who stood with the southpaw for 13.2 overs before he was unlucky to get out, praised the veteran for having great character and determination.
"As a team, as a player, Jaddu bhai is extraordinary in the fielding, in bowling, in batting, he has improved in everything."
"He makes runs in every important situation for the team. It is difficult to find a player like him for our team. We are lucky to have such a player in our team," he concluded.
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Over the past three years, Jadeja has truly proved his worth with the bat in hand. Often, he has chipped in with valuable cameos and helped India win games, or at least brought them close to the target like he did in the Lord's Test.
