India captain Shubman Gill commended his team’s lower order for their remarkable fightback in the Lord’s Test, which pushed the match into the Jeetbuzz final session before India narrowly lost by 22 runs. Despite slipping to 82 for 7 early on the last day, the lower order’s resilience kept India within striking distance of victory.
Jadeja’s Key Role in the Late Resistance
Ravindra Jadeja played a crucial role, crafting patient partnerships of 30, 35, and 23 runs with Nitish Reddy, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammed Siraj respectively. Jadeja scored his fourth consecutive half-century of the series and contributed 61 of the 99 runs during his time at the crease on the final day. Gill described him as “one of the most valuable players in India,” praising his rare combination of skill, experience, and composure.
Pride in the Team’s Effort
Gill highlighted the significant improvement in the lower order’s performance compared to previous matches. He noted that their courage and character were instrumental in keeping India competitive, saying the team’s effort was something to be very proud of. He felt that if just one partnership had added another 10 runs, India could have pushed much closer to victory.
Reflecting on Missed Opportunities
Gill acknowledged that India’s batting in the final two days left room for regret. Early wickets, including the loss of Yashasvi Jaiswal and subsequent middle-order collapses, made chasing 192 a daunting task. He emphasized the Jeetwin importance of building partnerships early to ease the chase but admitted that the team did not perform as well as they had throughout the series.
Managing Pressure and Match Intensity
Gill stressed that despite the tension and sledging during the match, including some directed at Washington Sundar by England’s camp, such moments are part of the game’s excitement and challenge. He believed the competitive spirit fueled the intensity on the field, while mutual respect between the teams remained strong.
Lessons for the Remaining Matches
With the series at 1-2 and two Tests remaining, Gill said the team must learn to manage pressure better, especially during difficult sessions. He pointed out that turning critical moments—like a four-wicket collapse—into smaller losses can be the difference in a close series. Overall, he expressed pride in the team’s fight and the narrow margin of defeat, confident in their ability to improve going forward.
