Ravindra Jadeja's performance in the recent Lord's Test against England has sparked debate, with Sanjay Manjrekar offering a nuanced critique despite praising the all-rounder's resilient batting. While Jadeja displayed commendable grit and defensive technique, Manjrekar suggested that his approach lacked the necessary risk-taking to propel India to victory.

Chasing a target of 193, India's top order crumbled, leaving them reeling at 82/7 and later 112/8. Jadeja, known for his composed demeanor, found himself batting with the tail, and shared a crucial partnership with Jasprit Bumrah. Bumrah, who is known for his bowling prowess, demonstrated remarkable resilience, occupying the crease for 1 hour and 40 minutes and facing high-quality fast bowling. Manjrekar lauded Bumrah as the "real star" of the partnership, emphasizing his mental fortitude and application of skills honed in net sessions.

Jadeja, on the other hand, remained unbeaten on 61, marking his fourth consecutive half-century in the series. Despite his valuable contribution, Manjrekar observed that Jadeja appeared to be "playing a waiting game and hoping against hope," rather than seizing the initiative. He argued that Jadeja wasn't taking the kind of risks that could shift the momentum in India's favor. Manjrekar acknowledged Jadeja's improved batting, noting his patience and trust in his defense, which allows him to play longer innings. He highlighted Jadeja's 70 runs in the first innings, emphasizing the prolonged effort required on a challenging pitch.

However, Manjrekar also pointed to the subdued atmosphere in the Indian dressing room when Jadeja reached his half-century, suggesting a lack of belief in the possibility of victory. He said that the chase "looked beyond reach" given the pitch conditions and India's scoring rate.

Jadeja has played 83 Test matches and scored 3,697 runs, averaging 37, with 361 fours and 74 sixes. In his ODI career, he has 2,806 runs in 204 matches, averaging 33, with 205 fours and 54 sixes. He recently played an ODI against New Zealand in March 2025, scoring 9 runs off 6 balls.

Ravindra Jadeja, born on December 6, 1988, is a left-handed batsman and slow left-arm orthodox bowler. He is an all-rounder for the Indian national team in ODI and Test formats. Some of his nicknames are Jaddu, RJ, and Rockstar. Jadeja has played for India, India A, India Blue, Chennai Super Kings, and other teams.