Former India head coach Ravi Shastri reminisced about a crucial conversation he had with Virat Kohli before the final day of the historic Lord’s Test during the 2021 tour. The Indian team found themselves trailing by 27 runs at the end of the first innings and were in a precarious position at 181-6 at Stumps on Day 4.
The situation worsened for India as Rishabh Pant, the last recognized batsman, was dismissed early on Day 5, leaving them at 194-7 with a lead of 167. With only four pacers in the playing XI and lacking the batting depth of Shardul Thakur, the odds seemed stacked against the Men in Blue.
However, against all odds, India managed to extend their lead to 270 thanks to a remarkable unbeaten ninth-wicket partnership between Mohammad Shami and Jasprit Bumrah. With the task of taking 10 wickets in two sessions to secure a victory, the pacers rose to the occasion and delivered when it mattered most.
Shastri revealed that he had a conversation with Kohli before the final day, expressing his confidence that even with a lead of 170, India would emerge victorious. Despite the team’s collapse in the second innings leading up to the final day, Shastri’s belief in the team’s ability never wavered.
The former coach recalled how the media had labeled England as favorites to win the match after India’s collapse, but the historic partnership between Shami and Bumrah changed the narrative. The incredible last-wicket stand lifted the dressing room spirits and set the stage for an inspiring comeback.
Kohli’s iconic team talk before the start of play on Day 5 set the tone for India’s bowling performance. His words, urging the team to make the 60 overs feel like hell for the England batsmen, motivated the bowlers to produce a relentless display that eventually led to England being bowled out for just 120.
India’s victory at Lord’s marked their second win at the iconic venue in their last three visits. The team is set to return to the Home of Cricket for another showdown with England in the third match of the 2025 series, scheduled to commence on Thursday, July 10.
The resilience and determination displayed by the Indian team at Lord’s in 2021 will forever be etched in cricketing history, showcasing their ability to overcome adversity and emerge victorious against all odds.
