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Legendary Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar has finally spoken out about the much-publicized handshake controversy that unfolded during the fourth Test between England and India in Manchester. The incident, involving England captain Ben Stokes and Indian all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar, ignited a fierce debate on the spirit of cricket and competitive tactics during the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, which ultimately ended in a 2-2 series draw.
The handshake incident: Drama in Manchester
The drama started during the closing stages of the fourth Test at Old Trafford, Manchester. With India resolutely batting out for a draw and Jadeja and Sundar both approaching their individual hundreds, Stokes approached the Indian pair, suggesting a handshake to mutually conclude the drawn match. However, Jadeja politely declined Stokes’ offer, as both he and Sundar were keen to complete their centuries before agreeing to end the match. This decision sparked heated online debates and opinions from former cricketers, dividing the cricketing world on the act’s sportsmanship.
Tensions flared briefly: after both Indians notched up their milestones and a draw was officially settled, Stokes refrained from joining the post-match handshake on the field. This left Jadeja reportedly furious, with a frosty exchange of words following. The episode became a flash point, dominating headlines and sparking a broader conversation about unwritten codes in cricket.
Tendulkar backs Team India
Speaking out via a video posted on Reddit, Tendulkar put his full weight behind Team India and their approach to the situation. “Washington scored a hundred, and Jadeja scored a hundred. Why is it not in the right spirit? They were playing for a draw. Before that, they battled it out when England were having a go at them and negotiated it all to bat brilliantly,” Tendulkar asserted, lauding the Indian pair’s resilience under pressure.
Tendulkar further criticized Stokes’ apparent irritation, emphasizing that it was England’s choice to introduce part-time bowler Harry Brook towards the end, but not India’s obligation to help England rest their main bowlers ahead of the next Test. “It wasn’t India’s problem. To me, it was fine. They were playing for a draw, not for their hundreds. If they had gotten out, India could have lost. When they came out to bat, Harry Brook wasn’t bowling, was he? So, why should England’s bowlers be fresh for the fifth Test?” he challenged, questioning the logic behind the English captain’s frustration.
Tendulkar puts an end to the controversy
While the incident added fuel to an already fiery series, it ultimately did not sour the post-series atmosphere. After the fifth Test ended with the series leveled, players from both sides came together for a customary afterparty, setting aside the on-field tensions. Reports indicate that the teams exchanged camaraderie and respect, especially over the brave performances from both benches throughout the grueling summer.
Tendulkar, in conclusion, suggested that Team India’s decisions were dictated by match situations, not by personal milestones or disrespect for opponents. “I am absolutely with the Indian team, be it Gambhir or Shubman or Jadeja or Washington, who decided. I’m 100 percent with them. In the last Test match, when it was time to accelerate, Sundar did that brilliantly, didn’t he? Where it was needed to occupy the crease, he did that in the fourth Test. And when it was needed to press the accelerator hard, he did that in the fifth. So, well done,” reiterated Sachin.
