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England’s Stokes Clashes with India’s Jadeja Over Test Match Handshake

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Business Honor - Stokes‑Jadeja Test Handshake Clash Rocks Cricket

Business Honor
28 July, 2025

Stokes offered handshake; Jadeja declined to reach personal milestone, sparking tension.

Controversy broke out between Indian players Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja and England captain Ben Stokes during the fourth Test match of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy at Old Trafford. On the fifth day, as a draw became certain, Stokes offered to shake hands and end the game early. Determining to meet their individual batting goals—Jadeja was in the 90s and Sundar was in the 80s—Jadeja and Sundar, however, turned down the handshake.

This refusal frustrated Stokes, leading to a tense moment. After that, Stokes handed the ball to Harry Brook who made fun of the two Indian players by bowling loose deliveries. Jadeja and Sundar still managed to reach their centuries, prolonging the game by about 15 minutes.

Jonathan Trott, former England cricketer, supported Stokes and criticized Jadeja for prioritizing personal milestones over the team result. Trott said that in the modern “Bazball” style, winning matters more than individual achievements. He also suggested that if roles were reversed, England players would have accepted a handshake from India’s Shubman Gill and walked off the field.

On the other hand, former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar disagreed with Trott. He called Stokes a "spoiled kid" for his reaction and said England made a mockery of the game by using part-timer Brook to bowl in the final moments. Manjrekar felt Stokes should have handled the situation more maturely.

After the match, Stokes explained his decision in leadership by saying he wanted to protect his main bowlers from exhaustion before the series finale at the Oval, which was scheduled soon after. In other news, India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir praised Rishabh Pant for his courage. Despite having a broken foot, Pant played an important innings and motivated the squad with his perseverance throughout the game.