England Test captain Ben Stokes has responded to mounting criticism following the conclusion of the fourth Test against India at Old Trafford, where a handshake controversy erupted after Indian batters Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar declined to draw the match while approaching their centuries.
The incident sparked heated debate across cricketing circles and social media, with former cricketers and fans weighing in on what many have termed a breach of the "spirit of cricket."
According to reports, on the final day of the Test, with India recovering from a 311-run deficit and safely out of danger, Stokes offered to draw the match.
However, with both Jadeja and Sundar in their 90s, the Indian pair chose to continue batting.
A video clip that later circulated online showed Stokes shaking hands with several Indian players after the match but apparently bypassing Jadeja, fuelling speculation that the England skipper was displeased with the duo’s decision to deny the draw offer.
Social media users and some former players interpreted the move as an act of frustration, suggesting that Stokes’ decision not to greet Jadeja signified lingering resentment over India’s refusal to agree to a draw. A brief verbal exchange between the two was also visible at the end of the clip.
Addressing the incident at the post-match press conference, Stokes downplayed the controversy. “Jadeja and Sundar played brilliant innings. We took the game as close to a win as possible. But once it became clear that a result was unlikely, I didn’t want to over-bowl my main fast bowlers,” he said.
He added, “Whether you're 10 runs short of a hundred or more, what matters is that you've taken your team out of trouble. That’s the real achievement.”
Stokes’ decision to bowl part-timer Harry Brook in the final overs—widely viewed as a sign of England easing off—was also criticised. However, he defended the move, citing player workload management ahead of the final Test at The Oval.
The incident has divided opinion in the cricketing world. Former South African pacer Dale Steyn came to Stokes' defence on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), while spinner Tabraiz Shamsi backed the Indian players’ right to continue their innings.
Steyn acknowledged the complexity of the situation. “This onion has many layers to it, and each one will make someone cry,” he wrote. “The batters weren’t playing for hundreds, they were batting for a draw. Once that was achieved, the gentlemanly thing is to shake hands. Using that final hour for personal milestones, while legal, felt off.”
He further questioned why the Indian batters didn’t accelerate earlier if their centuries were a priority. “At least then, no one could say one team outdid the other in this strange scenario.”
Shamsi responded with a contrasting view: “Both teams have the right to play how they see fit. If you want me out, get me out!”
Despite the controversy, Jadeja (107*) and Sundar (101*) staged a 203-run partnership that helped India claw back from a precarious 0 for 2 to secure a critical draw, keeping the five-match series alive. With England leading 2-1, the series now heads to a highly anticipated finale at The Oval, starting July 31.
Indian coach Gautam Gambhir also weighed in, saying Jadeja and Sundar “fully deserved their centuries” and that personal milestones should not be undermined when achieved within the rules of the game.
