Sanjay Manjrekar had mixed views on Ravindra Jadeja’s heroic effort after India’s narrow 22-run defeat at Lord’s. While he praised the all-rounder for his resilience, Manjrekar also felt that Jadeja could have taken more initiative to push for a win.
“Ravindra Jadeja was batting well and defending resolutely, but it never looked like he was taking the kind of risks needed to help India win. He was playing a waiting game and hoping against hope,” Manjrekar told JioHotstar.
He also lauded Jasprit Bumrah, calling him the “real star” of the ninth-wicket partnership that raised India’s hopes late in the match.
“He stayed out there for one hour and 40 minutes against high-quality fast bowling… that was truly special,” he said.
Bumrah Shines with Ball and Bat
Manjrekar praised Bumrah’s overall contribution in the Test, calling it a display of maturity and adaptability.
“In the first innings, Bumrah showed just how great a bowler he is. This was the kind of pitch where he could not really display his full range, so he bowled patiently and waited for opportunities… That yorker to dismiss Brydon Carse is still fresh in the mind. Showing his greatness in different ways — that has become Bumrah’s legacy,” he said.
Commenting on the overall mood in the Indian camp, Manjrekar noted signs of concern. “The visuals from the Lord’s balcony did not look too positive… the team knew that winning would be very difficult.”
Manjrekar also highlighted KL Rahul’s maturity and composure throughout the Test. “The biggest satisfaction I’ve had — as an analyst and a former cricketer — has come from watching KL Rahul,” he said. “He has now played over 50 Test matches… and what I’m seeing now is close to perfection.”
Reflecting on the loss, Manjrekar concluded: “There were no major blunders… it was the accumulation of small ones that made the difference in the end.”
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