Karun Nair's Expensive Mistake and Rishabh Pant's Run Out Alter Momentum in England's Favor

In the Test match that was full of twists and turns at Lord's India was on the losing side by only 22 runs as England jumped to a 2-1 lead in the five-match series. Former India head coach Ravi Shastri did not spare words while identifying where India erred. In his opinion, the two instances that reversed the entire course of the match were Rishabh Pant's wicket in the first innings and Karun Nair's poor sense in the second innings. Both the instances provided an opening to England which they took with both hands and reversed the game in their favour.

Ravi Shastri heavily criticized Karun Nair's Day 4 dismissal that arrived at the most critical juncture of when India was 41 for one in pursuit of a target of 193. Karun and KL Rahul were fighting back slowly when Karun surprised everyone by getting out to a straight ball bowled by Brydon Carse. The ball struck his pads and the umpire gave him leg before wicket. Shastri termed it a grave lapse of concentration and stated that this minor error allowed England entry with all the doors wide open. From being a strong position India soon collapsed from 42 for two to 82 for seven. The ex-coach stated that Karun's removal was at the wrong moment and changed the entire trajectory of the game.

Speaking on 'The ICC Review', Shastri explained that Rishabh Pant's run out in the first innings was another big turning point. Pant was settled at 74 and in a dangerous nick when he was run out by Ben Stokes at lunch on the third day. Shastri complimented Stokes on his quick presence of mind and speedy thinking which resulted in Pant being run out. He opined that India was in the driving position at the time and could have established a vital lead if Pant had remained on the crease. That solitary run out not only got Pant out but also provided a firm lift to England approaching the lunch break.

Shastri noted that once the ball was old batting was simpler as was observed when Siraj Bumrah and Jadeja were on the crease. These tailenders played with more discipline and concentration while playing defensively and reduced the target to 82 runs by lunch on Day 5. India then required only 82 runs with wickets intact at that time and it seemed the match was going to be over in the next couple of overs. But rather than that India lost their wickets at a rapid pace and suddenly they were left with 22 runs to score and no one to bat. Shastri was unambiguous in stating that if the top-order had played with a little more patience and mental strength the match could have been won by India.

In spite of the defeat, Shastri is optimistic and stated that India would still be able to stage a comeback in the series. He also lamented some of the lost opportunities in the previous Tests and believed that with a bit of luck India could already have been 3-0 ahead in the series. The ex-coach revealed that the Lord's match reminded him of the 2021 Lord's Test when India had batted first and eventually won the game. This time around the tables turned and England emerged triumphant. Despite two games still left, he feels the series is not over yet and anything can occur.

Shastri had some criticism for India but also had nothing but praise for England and captain Ben Stokes. He was impressed by how England took advantage of every little chance. He told that whenever England noticed even a little gap in the game of India, they went all out and ensured India got eliminated from the competition. He spoke about how there was not much available in the pitch and if India lost one or two wickets fewer on Day 4 the result could have been entirely different.

Shastri also complimented Stokes for his tireless work with the ball. Stokes then bowled long and taxing spells taking everything at stake in the second innings. He bowled 24 more overs than any other English bowler and took three important wickets including that of KL Rahul. Shastri noted that he sensed something was brewing from Stokes particularly after the Edgbaston Test when he appeared to conserve energy for Lord's. His endeavor was fruitful and served to help England win in an exhilarating manner.

With the third Test concluding in dramatic fashion the fourth Test is now ready to start on July 23 at Manchester. The series so far has been full of thrills and Shastri called it exciting cricket. He feels that if India learns from its errors and regroups it can come back strong in the next game. The fight is very much on and if India square the series the last encounter at The Oval will be a blockbuster in every sense.

Although the defeat was difficult for Indian supporters to swallow Shastri's assessment indicates that cricket is a game of moments and occasional small choices can turn everything around. From Rishabh Pant's unfortunate run out to Karun Nair's error of judgment every moment contributed to determining the outcome. And all eyes now turn to Manchester where India will seek to regroup and keep the series in the balance. With the likes of Stokes going strong and India set to come back it looks like another tantalizing page in this tussled series.