India’s agonising 22-run loss to England in the third Test at Lord’s has sparked strong reactions from across the cricketing world—but none more blunt than former head coach Ravi Shastri’s assessment. Speaking on The ICC Review, Shastri pinpointed two crucial turning points that swung the match in England’s favour: Rishabh Pant’s run-out in the first innings and Karun Nair’s dismissal in the second.
With India chasing a modest 193, they folded for just 170, handing England a dramatic win and a 2-1 lead in the five-match series.
“A Huge Lapse of Concentration”: Shastri Slams Nair
Karun Nair, who was partnering KL Rahul during India’s second-innings effort, made what Shastri called a “huge lapse of concentration” when he left a straight delivery from Brydon Carse, only to be adjudged LBW. At the time, India were 41 for 1 and seemingly steady in their chase. Nair’s dismissal opened the floodgates, and India soon crumbled to 82 for 7, squandering a promising position.
“I thought that was a huge lapse in concentration… to leave a straight, nothing ball. That opened the door for England,” Shastri said sharply.
Shastri expressed disappointment that India’s top order couldn’t show more resilience and mental strength during that crucial fourth-day phase.
Pant’s Dismissal: The First Domino to Fall
Equally decisive, according to Shastri, was Rishabh Pant’s run-out on 74 in the first innings—moments before lunch on Day 3. It was a moment of brilliance from England captain Ben Stokes, who hit the stumps from mid-off to send Pant back when India were in a dominant position.
“Stokes… simply outstanding presence of mind to hit at the right end. Had Pant stayed, India would have gotten the lead and been in the driver’s seat,” said Shastri.
That moment halted India’s momentum, setting up England’s chance to claw back into the game.
Praise for Stokes and England’s Grit
While Shastri was critical of India’s batting, he was also full of praise for Ben Stokes’ leadership and physical commitment. The England skipper bowled 24 overs, more than any of his teammates, including a heroic 10-over final spell to finish the game.
“Stokes wanted fuel in the tank for Lord’s and he showed it. He bowled with his heart on the final day,” Shastri noted.
Shastri also acknowledged England’s ability to seize the moment when India stumbled.
“You have to compliment England. When they saw an opening, they banged the door down.”
Could India Have Been 3-0 Up?
Despite India trailing in the series, Shastri believes the team had chances in all three Tests and could have even swept them with better luck and execution.
“Fifteen days into the series, it’s been riveting stuff. And at times, I think India could have been 3-0 up. Just a little bit of luck, they could’ve had it,” he added.
Looking Ahead: Two Tests Remain
With the fourth Test set to begin on July 23 at Old Trafford, Manchester, India still has a chance to bounce back. Shastri remains optimistic:
“India can bounce back straight away, and if that happens, the final Test at The Oval will be a thriller.”
As India regroups, Ravi Shastri’s blunt postmortem stands as a wake-up call: in tightly contested series like this one, moments of lapse—whether it’s a mistimed leave or a careless run—can determine the outcome of entire matches.