- July 16, 2025
There’s a reason cricket fans flock to their phones or computers on Day 5 of the Test—the methodical action, the excitement, the heartbreak, and the perplexing tactics. England dangled victory like a carrot, and India bit hard—but choked just before the final chew. But everyone will remember the collapse at 112/8, but more specifically, Ravindra Jadeja’s unusual and cautious knock. The man who often dances down the track chose to tiptoe through a minefield, padding up caution with every ball.
And guess what, Anil Kumble – India’s famous leggie – was annoyed about it. What did he have to say? “It wasn’t turning square.” So… what was all that caution about, Jaddu? Let’s try to unravel this.
Was There a Case for More Aggression?
Anil Kumble was not shy. He thought Jadeja had a huge opportunity to smack a few runs, particularly after they dismissed Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Bumrah and Siraj were the only two batsmen left at the other end. Kumble’s logic made more sense than the omens.
Yes, the tail is a little tricky business, but if the ball is not spinning very much, isn’t it a signal to take a few risks? Jadeja had already done the hard work of surviving 180+ balls. This wasn’t Day 5 in Mumbai. It was a pretty mild Lord’s deck. Kumble was essentially saying, “You have faced worse…and done better.” Fair call, especially since Jadeja has faced far more awful spin and bounce with a lot more desire than that.
The Fine Line Between Patience and Panic
On the other hand, Sunil Gavaskar defended Jadeja’s mindset, explaining that India “takes the game deep.” And let’s be honest – how often does that pan out? When you have your last recognized batter at the crease, the emphasis tends to shift to strike farming and tiring the bowler out, too. Trying to get them as loose as possible on their next delivery – for more forgiveness.
Jadeja’s logic seemed exactly that. He wasn’t just batting for his average. He was batting for the big picture. The problem is that sometimes the big picture is missing a little fire, especially when your partners are tailenders.
Bumrah and Siraj hung around for 84 balls, which should have been the ideal platform for Jadeja to accelerate. Even basic acceleration could have brought India closer to the 193-run target. But opportunity never arose, and England took a relieved breath as they secured their series lead.
Form, Context, and the Pressure Factor
Let’s not ignore one part of the picture: Jadeja is in phenomenal form. Four fifties in this series in a row, every time he has batted so well. So, did he let himself down for being out of form? Probably not. It was most likely pressure. You’re chasing under 200, you’ve lost 8 wickets, and the dressing room is nervous. Jadeja’s intent may not have been wrong, but his decisions perhaps came at the wrong time.
It was most likely pressure. You’re chasing under 200, you’ve lost 8 wickets, and the dressing room has a nervous energy. Every risk feels like a gamble, and self-doubt can easily kick in. Jadeja’s intent may not have been wrong, but the decisions he made may have just been at the wrong time.
Now that the series is 2-1 in England’s favor, India will have to do some hustling before the Manchester Test! And fans? We are left in doubt—should Jadeja have taken the risk? Were they right to wait?
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