Yashasvi Jaiswal, India’s young and promising opener, faced heavy criticism following his lackluster performance in the third Test at Lord’s. Once hailed for his flamboyant yet composed batting at the top of the order, Jaiswal’s struggles in both innings against England have sparked concerns among fans and former players, with many labeling his approach as “confused” and “uncertain” during a crucial match situation.
India were chasing a modest target of 193 in the fourth innings, but the pressure of the Lord’s atmosphere and a fiery spell from Jofra Archer saw Jaiswal falter again. He was dismissed for a seven-ball duck, attempting an ill-timed pull shot that ended up in the slips—a moment that drew immediate backlash from pundits and supporters alike. His first-innings score of 13 also came via uncertain shot selection, as he fell to Archer once more, visibly uncomfortable against the short ball.
Former players did not hold back in their assessment. Robin Uthappa remarked that Jaiswal appeared “genuinely not comfortable” at the crease, describing his movements and shot decisions as unclear and hesitant. “You could see through the over that he was confused… not sure how he wanted to approach it,” Uthappa said. Echoing that sentiment, Kumar Sangakkara stated that Jaiswal “didn’t look watchable” and lacked conviction in his second-innings cameo.
The criticisms aren’t without context. Jaiswal came into the Lord’s Test on the back of an impressive series start, including a hundred at Headingley and a gritty fifty at Edgbaston. However, he has since managed just 45 runs in his last four innings, raising questions about his adaptability in varied conditions. While his natural flair and attacking instincts remain an asset, his tendency to play expansive shots too early in the innings has led to repeated dismissals.
Adding to his woes, Jaiswal has been under scrutiny in the field as well. His string of dropped catches in the first Test, including multiple sitters, attracted criticism from all quarters. Though coach Gautam Gambhir and former fielding coach R. Sridhar defended the youngster, pointing to nerves and minor injuries, the overall picture suggested that the 22-year-old has been under significant mental and physical pressure.
Despite his recent form dip, the Indian team management has shown continued faith in Jaiswal. His place in the playing XI for the upcoming fourth Test at Old Trafford is likely secure, but expectations will be higher than ever. The team needs solidity and composure at the top, especially with the series hanging in the balance at 2–1 in England’s favor.
The Lord’s Test may well become a turning point in Jaiswal’s young career—either a hard lesson that helps him evolve or a warning sign that he needs to reassess his methods. As India looks to bounce back in Manchester, Jaiswal has a golden opportunity to answer his critics with clarity, confidence, and runs.