Former India head coach Ravi Shastri believes that India could have been sitting comfortably with a 3-0 lead in the ongoing Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy had they seized critical moments better. Speaking on The ICC Review, Shastri reflected on India’s narrow 22-run loss in the third Test at Lord’s and emphasised that the series so far has been a tale of missed opportunities and lapses in concentration.
According to Shastri, India had the upper hand at key stages in both the Edgbaston and Lord’s Tests but allowed England to claw back. “With just a little more luck and sharper execution, this series could have easily been 3-0 in India’s favour,” Ravi Shastri said. He pointed out crucial moments—like poor shot selection before session breaks and ill-timed aggression—that have tilted the momentum in England’s direction.
India had multiple chances to assert dominance but faltered during crunch phases. One such turning point, Shastri recalled, was Rishabh Pant’s dismissal just before lunch on Day 3 at Lord’s.
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“Pant was well-set on 74 and looked in complete control. But that run-out—Stokes’s incredible presence of mind—completely shifted the momentum. India were in the driver’s seat until that moment,” he said. Another pivotal moment came in the second innings, with India cruising at 40/1 while chasing 193. Karun Nair’s decision to leave a straight delivery proved costly. “That was a massive error in judgement,” Ravi Shastri noted. “If India had been two wickets fewer at the close of Day 4, I truly believe they would’ve chased it down.”
India eventually fell for 170, despite a brave, unbeaten 61 from Ravindra Jadeja. Ravi Shastri was all praise for the lower-order resistance but believed the top-order collapse had already done the damage. “You saw how well Siraj, Bumrah, and Jadeja defended once the ball aged. That tells you the pitch wasn’t that threatening. It came down to mental toughness, and England just had more of it in the crucial phases.”
He didn’t shy away from giving England their due. “Credit where it’s due—England grabbed their moments. Stokes and Archer brought the heat, and they didn’t let up. When they saw a crack, they burst through it,” Shastri said.
Reflecting on the series so far, Shastri couldn’t help but draw parallels with India’s famous 2021 Lord’s win under his coaching.
“It was eerily similar—tight finishes, fight from the lower order, spirited bowling. Back then, we found a way to win. This time, we let it slip.” He also mentioned India’s failure to avoid chasing personal milestones, especially before breaks, as another costly trend. “Too many times we’ve seen wickets fall just before lunch or tea. That’s criminal in Test cricket.”
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Despite trailing 2-1, Shastri remains hopeful. “This team has the quality to bounce back. They’ve shown fight, and with a bit more discipline and focus, they can still win this series.” The fourth Test begins July 23 at Old Trafford, and India will be aiming to level things before the final clash.
