'Fight from Jaddu, absolutely brilliant': Gautam Gambhir on Ravindra Jadeja amid Lord's criticism

Ravindra Jadeja scored 61 off 181 balls (BCCI Photo)

India came tantalisingly close to winning the 4th Test at Lord's thanks to a heroic 61 off 181 balls by Ravindra Jadeja in the second innings. However, the hopes dashed after Mohammed Siraj was heartbreakingly dismissed as England won the match by 22 runs and took a 2-1 lead in the five-match series.

Many Indian greats, including Anil Kumble, Sunil Gavaskar, Ravichandran Ashwin, Sourav Ganguly, and others, expressed that Jadeja could have batted a bit more aggressively in the chase. Gautam Gambhir, the head coach of India, was all praise for the all-rounder, though.

After battling for 22 overs, Jasprit Bumrah succumbed to temptation and miscued a shot to substitute fielder Sam Cook, leaving Jadeja to chase victory with only one wicket remaining. He didn't give up and continued his lone battle before Siraj was clean bowled by spinner Shoaib Bashir. Jadeja stood stunned at the other end, stranded on 61, the weight of the narrow defeat etched on his face.

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Gambhir's message to Jadeja following a heartbreaking 22-run loss at the 'Home of Cricket' was posted in a video by the BCCI on Friday, few days after the match. "That was an incredible fight. The fight from Jaddu, that was absolutely brilliant," Gambhir was heard saying in the video.

The 36-year-old's repertoire is difficult to uncover, according to Siraj, who battled with Jadeja for 13.2 overs, saying, "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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A notable feature of India's batting lineup has been Jadeja's contributions with the bat. He made headlines in the first innings with a dominant 72(131). With four consecutive scores of fifty or more, Jadeja has flourished in England.

According to Ryan ten Doeschate, assistant coach for India, Jadeja has improved his game and looks like a "proper batter" because of the defence he employs with his whole arsenal. "His batting has reached another level. The last two Tests, the consistency and the calmness he has brought to the change room in difficult situations. Watching him for so many years and how he has developed his game. His defence looks rock solid. He looks like a proper batter," Doeschate said.

Sitanshu Kotak, India's batting coach, emphasized Jadeja's unique ability and remarked: "I always felt he has that ability to take that pressure. Anyone with so much experience will get mature. He normally comes out with something what the team needs in any challenging conditions. Really valuable to the team."