Manchester | July 27, 2025:
Former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin unleashed a fiery critique of England captain Ben Stokes after the final hour of Day 5 saw dramatic tension around a proposed early handshake. With India set to draw the Test thanks to centuries from Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar, Stokes offered a gesture to close the match prematurely. India declined, and their stars completed their impressive milestones. Ashwin backed them up with unqualified intensity.
🧷 The Incident: Shaking Hands vs Chasing Milestones
As a hard-fought draw loomed, England’s captain extended a handshake in gesturing to end the match, possibly to protect fatigued bowlers. Jadeja and Sundar were on 89 and 80 respectively—both near Test centuries. India kept batting, signalling they weren’t ready to surrender.
Ashwin’s reaction:
- Called the shaking-hands offer a display of double standards, noting that India’s players had batted through two sessions to earn their hundreds.
- Said plainly: “If I was captain, I’d bat the final 15 overs.” He strongly supported Jadeja and Sundar’s decision to stay on and earn their deserving centuries.
🔥 Ashwin’s Biggest Grievances
- He questioned the timing: India had earned their right to bat those final overs through effort, not to be cut short by England’s discomfort or fatigue.
- Called out the timing as a frustration tactic: “Played your bowlers all day, then when we’re near personal milestones, you say we should walk off?”
- Emphasised that Test runs are earned, not handed out—and praised the dignified persistence of Jadeja and Sundar.
🎤 Voices from the Cricketing World
- Sunil Gavaskar backed Ashwin wholeheartedly: he agreed that India should have batted the full 15 overs—sympathising firmly with India’s stance.
- Brad Haddin, former Australia keeper-batter, called it poor sportsmanship from England, applauding India’s resolve. He noted that India had the right to continue batting and deserved their centuries.
- Alastair Cook (ex-England captain) felt momentum gained from Jadeja and Sundar would bolster India’s morale heading into the final Test.
- Nasser Hussain dismissed the decision to bowl part-timer Harry Brook during the handshake row as unnecessary and tactically unwise.
📊 Context Matters: Milestones, Pride & Series Momentum
| Factor | Significance |
|---|---|
| Personal Centuries | Jadeja and Sundar’s hundreds were rare milestones—justifying their refusal to exit prematurely |
| Competitive Spirit | India choosing to push through showed grit and a refusal to concede for convenience |
| Momentum Ahead of 5th Test | Victory in the handshake debate—and the draw result—kept the series alive and buoyed Indian self-belief |
| Debate Over Sportsmanship | Sparked wider conversation about when match closure offers are appropriate |
India eventually agreed to draw—once both batters reached their hundreds—and brought the Test to a close with integrity intact.
🎙️ Final Word from Ashwin
Ashwin made it clear: if he had been in charge, those final overs would have been played out in full. His view? Cricket is about earned success—not sentimental gestures. And those two centuries were not only personal achievements but symbols of collective resolve.
