
Former India captain Sourav Ganguly has come down hard on the national team’s top-order batting after their disappointing collapse at Lord’s. In a sharp reaction, Ganguly questioned the intent and resilience of India’s batters, highlighting Ravindra Jadeja as the only one who showed genuine fight. His comments have triggered a larger discussion on whether India’s batting lineup is too reliant on a few players in pressure situations.
What Happened at Lord’s
During the second Test of the India vs England series, India’s top order struggled badly on a swinging Lord’s pitch. With wickets falling early, the team quickly found itself on the back foot. While the bowlers had done their part earlier in the match, the batting display failed to back it up.
Ravindra Jadeja once again stood out with a gritty knock, while the rest of the lineup failed to adapt or survive long enough to build partnerships. The collapse felt all too familiar—and that’s exactly what Ganguly pointed out.
Ganguly’s Strong Words
Ganguly, known for backing aggressive and fearless cricket, didn’t mince words. He said there was no visible fight in the top order and questioned their mindset. “When you saw Jadeja fight, you wondered what the rest were doing,” he remarked, making it clear that application and temperament were missing.
He also raised concerns about the team’s overall approach, suggesting that such performances can’t be brushed off as just ‘bad days’ anymore. The pressure is now on the top-order batters to not just score but show accountability.
Relevance for Tier 2 City Fans and Young Cricketers
In Tier 2 cities, where cricket is both aspiration and religion, performances like these get noticed deeply. Young players idolise top-order stars and follow every move they make. When the role models fail to show fight, it affects not just fan morale but also the kind of cricket young aspirants look up to.
Ganguly’s remarks also hit home for many local coaches and academies who teach players not just to score runs but to show mental strength in testing conditions. It’s a reminder that technique matters, but temperament wins matches.
Conclusion
Sourav Ganguly’s criticism isn’t just about one bad day at Lord’s. It’s a wake-up call for India’s top order to rediscover grit, not just form. As the series continues, all eyes will be on whether the batters can bounce back—not just with runs, but with fight, intent, and the kind of character fans expect from Team India.