ENG vs IND 2025: 'An incredible fight' - Coach Gambhir applauds Ravindra Jadeja's Lord's efforts

Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir led the praise for veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, calling his performance during the recently-concluded Lord’s Test an incredible fight. Jadeja remained unbeaten on 61 off 181 balls, showcasing resilience, even as India fell short by 22 runs in the encounter that cost them a 1-2 deficit in the five-match series.

India were chasing a target of 193 and the top order collapsed, with the top eight batters lasting less than 40 overs. But Jadeja, coming in at No. 7, stood tall amid the ruins, displaying remarkable composure while batting with tail-enders Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj.

“That was an incredible fight. The fight from Jaddu was absolutely brilliant,” said Gambhir in a video called ‘The MVP ft. Ravindra Jadeja’, which was posted on the BCCI website on Friday, July 18.

Jadeja held the crease for over four hours, showing remarkable composure as India battled to win the all-important Test match. Bumrah supported him with a gritty 5 off 54 balls, while Siraj faced 30 deliveries for his 4 runs before unfortunately falling as the final wicket to Shoaib Bashir. India were eventually bowled out for 170 in 74.5 overs.

Jadeja's defence is rock solid: Ryan ten Doeschate

Meanwhile, assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate praised Jadeja’s immense calmness and lauded the solidity of his defensive technique under pressure.

“His batting has reached another level. In the last two Tests, the consistency and the calmness he brought to the dressing room. I’ve watched him for so many years and how he’s developed his game now, his defence is rock solid, looks like a proper batter,” ten Doeschate said in the video.

Furthermore, batting coach Sitanshu Kotak, a former Saurashtra teammate of Jadeja, highlighted the all-rounder’s temperament and composure under pressure.

“I always felt he has the ability to take pressure. With so much of experience, he normally comes with something that the team needs in any challenging conditions. Really, really valuable to the team,” Kotak said.

The right-arm pacer Siraj also echoed the sentiment, emphasizing Jadeja’s immense value as a complete all-rounder.

“It’s very difficult to get a player like him, and we are lucky to have such a player in our team,” Siraj, who was the last wicket to fall at Lord's, said.

Indian captain Shubman Gill also reflected on Jadeja’s impact during the post-match press conference, acknowledging his crucial role in the game. With the series now at 2-1 in England’s favour, India must win the fourth Test, starting July 23 in Manchester, to keep their hopes of a series victory alive.

“He is one of the most valuable players of India. The skill set he brings with his batting, bowling and fielding. He is someone who is very rare to find. The way Jaddu bhai batted was a very proud effort. The character and the courage they showed was tremendous,” Gill said.