India’s heartbreaking loss at Lord’s continues to stir emotions, and this time, it’s Shubman Gill who’s bearing the brunt of criticism. Former India cricketer Vijay Bharadwaj has openly questioned Gill’s leadership and decision-making during India’s tense fourth-innings chase — particularly the hands-off approach when Ravindra Jadeja was batting with the tail.
On Star Sports, Bharadwaj pulled no punches:
“How can Shubman Gill just sit back and say, ‘Let Jadeja play his way’? If it was working, maybe. But it clearly wasn’t. Jadeja wasn’t picking runs. He didn’t look like he was trying to win the game.”
Too Passive, Too Late — A Missed Opportunity
India had a golden chance to level the series, but once again faltered in the final moments. While Jadeja’s resilience helped stretch the game, his cautious approach — especially when batting with Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj — raised questions.
Bharadwaj expressed his frustration at the strategy of letting tailenders take the strike when the pressure was mounting.
“Why was Jadeja giving so much strike to Bumrah and Siraj? He stayed not out, but what did that achieve? If we’re not winning — whether you score 50 or 200 — it doesn’t matter.”
He added that it would’ve been more acceptable if Jadeja had gone for it and gotten out in the process. At least then, he said, there would’ve been intent.
‘Someone Should’ve Stepped In’ — Bharadwaj Calls Out the Team Management
Bharadwaj didn’t just stop at the players. He felt the team management also failed to read the situation. With the run rate dipping and wickets falling, he believes someone — a coach, captain, or support staff — should have sent a clear message to change the approach.
“Jadeja is one of the most experienced players out there. But if he’s playing too safe, the dressing room has to step in. Someone had to tell him, ‘This isn’t working.’”
He called the loss “hugely disappointing,” especially because India had the match in their grasp for large stretches of Day 4.
Game Awareness — Not Just Skill — Is What India Needs
This isn’t just about one player or one decision. For Bharadwaj, it points to a larger problem — a lack of game sense in crunch situations. India may have talent and depth, but without clarity and control in pressure moments, those skills often go to waste.
As India prepares for the next Test, the message from former cricketers like Bharadwaj is loud and clear: play with purpose, adapt when needed, and don’t let games slip away without a fight.
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