Former India cricketer Balwinder Singh Sandhu opined on Ravindra Jadeja’s knock and felt that the all-rounder was not able to deal with the pressure of batting with the tailenders. The 1983 World Cup-winning player felt that Jadeja, who is usually calm under pressure, may have been doubtful during his stand with Jasprit Bumrah.

India were 112/8 when Bumrah joined Jadeja in the middle. He and Bumrah added 35 runs in 22 overs, with the latter facing 54 deliveries. He managed just five runs but didn’t give away his wicket easily.

Balwinder, who has known Jadeja for a long time, mentioned the player’s maturity from the U-19 days, but he felt that fear forced him not to trust his batting partner at Lord’s.

“I have known him since his U-19 days. He showed maturity beyond his age and was a smart cricketer under pressure. This time, he didn’t show trust in his batting partner. Maybe the fear of failing or the pressure got the better of him,” Sandhu wrote in his column for Mid-day.

Jadeja scored an unbeaten 61 runs, laced with 4 fours and a six, but failed to win a game for the Indian side.

Sandhu said that Jadeja should have trusted Bumrah a bit more, as he was defending well.

“Bumrah was defending well, and Jadeja should have trusted him. He should have gone for a shot on the fourth ball instead of thinking to retain the strike. Had he backed himself in the last two balls, there was a chance of hitting a boundary.”