Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has stirred a new debate around India’s handling of their pace attack in the third Test at Lord’s, claiming their overly cautious approach—particularly with Jasprit Bumrah—proved costly. Pathan argued that in a high-stakes match like this, preservation shouldn’t come at the cost of seizing momentum.

After India’s narrow 22-run loss to England, Pathan pointed fingers at the team management for not unleashing Bumrah with full force when it mattered the most. Despite having six bowling options, India lacked the attacking intensity that England exhibited, especially through Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer.

Ben Stokes bowled a lion-hearted 9.2-over morning spell on Day 5, picked up five wickets in the game, pulled off a direct-hit run-out of Rishabh Pant, and led his side with unrelenting energy. Archer, returning to red-ball cricket after four years, bowled with venom and control, showing no signs of holding back. In contrast, Bumrah was under-bowled in England’s second innings, even though he is India’s main strike weapon.

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Irfan Pathan, on his YouTube channel, didn’t hold back: “Ben Stokes bowled nine overs in a row. He batted, fielded, ran hard, took a key run-out… and not once did we hear about workload. Meanwhile, we waited for Bumrah to come back only when Joe Root arrived. That cautious approach doesn’t win you Test matches.”

He continued, “Archer didn’t think about his body. He came back after four years and bowled six overs in the morning. Then returned again. Stokes too didn’t stop. We’ve got to stop worrying about workload mid-match. You manage it between Tests, not during crucial phases. Once you’re playing, the goal has to be winning.”

India, chasing 193 for victory, were rocked early but found hope in a gritty knock from Ravindra Jadeja, who scored an unbeaten 61 off 181 balls. He stitched together fighting partnerships with Bumrah and Siraj to take India within touching distance.

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However, Shoaib Bashir’s dismissal of Siraj sealed England’s win. The heartbreak was visible— Mohammed Siraj dropped to his knees, and Jadeja stood stunned. England players Zak Crawley and Joe Root showed sportsmanship by consoling Siraj, while Stokes placed a comforting arm around Jadeja in a touching moment of mutual respect.

With the win, England have taken a 2-1 lead in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. The fourth Test begins on July 23 at Old Trafford, where India will look to regroup and respond with the same spirit that nearly earned them a dramatic win at Lord’s.