Team India’s senior spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has fired back at England captain Ben Stokes after the dramatic finish to the 4th Test between India and England.
Ashwin defended teammates Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar for continuing to bat and complete their centuries, despite Stokes offering to settle for a draw.
On Day 5 of the Manchester Test, with India just minutes away from saving the game, England’s Ben Stokes reportedly offered a handshake—an informal way to signal agreement for a draw.
But instead of accepting it, India chose to continue. The reason? Jadeja was in his 90s, and Sundar was nearing a maiden Test hundred.
Their decision didn’t go down well with Stokes, who looked visibly frustrated on the field. Post-match, he made comments suggesting India’s intent was unsporting, triggering a wave of reactions online.
Ravichandran Ashwin minced no words in defending his teammates. Speaking on the controversy, he said:
“What’s the harm if two batters want to complete their centuries? It’s not about personal milestones—it’s about pride, about grit. Your frustration is not our problem.”
Ashwin pointed out that many players chase five-wicket hauls or double centuries—so why single out Jadeja and Sundar for wanting to reach a milestone after a hard-fought game?
Manjrekar Said:
Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar also weighed in on the drama, calling out Ben Stokes’ behavior:
“He behaved like a spoiled kid. Just because things didn’t go his way, he got angry. That’s not how Test cricket works.”
Nassir Hussain Said:
Hussain didn’t hold back after England’s loss of momentum on the final day. He was particularly scathing about Stokes tossing the ball to part-timer Harry Brook—which he described as tactically absurd:
“It looked silly,” Hussain told on broadcast , highlighting how the gesture reeked of petulance rather than strategy.
Ravindra Jadeja (107*) and Washington Sundar (100*) batted through extreme pressure, pushing India from a position of vulnerability to a sensational draw.
Their unbeaten partnership of over 200 runs not only denied England a win but gave India a moral victory.
The fact that both players were willing to go the distance, ignoring the draw offer and trusting their ability to survive, won praise from many fans and former cricketers alike.
At the heart of the debate is a clash of perspectives—sportsmanship versus competitiveness. For India, the decision to bat on wasn’t selfish—it was strategic and symbolic.
Ashwin’s fiery defense made it clear: personal pride, team grit, and the spirit of Test cricket matter more than an opponent’s frustration.
As fans continue to relive the drama, one thing is certain—this Test match won’t be forgotten anytime soon.
