Manchester: Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar came out strongly in support of Indian batsmen Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar for refusing England skipper Ben Stokes’ handshake offer during the final session of the drawn Old Trafford Test, while launching a pointed critique at England’s lack of sporting grace.
In his post-match reaction, Gavaskar described as "disappointing "England’s on-field silence as the Indian pair notched up their hard-earned centuries. He also said such behaviour was symptomatic of a deeper erosion in the spirit of the game.
"It doesn’t reflect well when players can’t even clap for someone scoring a hundred after grinding it out all day," Gavaskar remarked. "In today’s game, there’s this strange notion that acknowledging someone else’s achievement makes you weak. But real maturity is shown in recognising greatness — even if it comes from the opposition."
The handshake snub came after Stokes offered to call off the game with 15 overs remaining, only to be turned down by the resolute Indian pair who were closing in on personal milestones. Gavaskar made it clear the Indians were well within their rights.
"Why shouldn’t they go for their hundreds?" he asked. "Everything was within the laws of the game. There was nothing unsporting about it. What stood out instead was England’s poor grace when those landmarks were actually achieved."
Gavaskar particularly took aim at some of England’s younger players for showing little respect. "I can understand if a Joe Root or Ben Stokes is sarcastic — they’ve scored enough. But others who haven’t done anything significant have no business sneering at a batsman chasing a fourth or maiden Test hundred."
He also questioned England’s tactical misjudgment and the spirit behind their late declaration. “Why did they wait till the lead stretched to 311? Why not declare after Stokes’ hundred with a lead of 240 or 250 and give themselves more time? Clearly, they didn’t trust their bowling enough.”
Recalling past England bravado, Gavaskar added, "When India gave them 600-plus at Birmingham, England players claimed it was fear. But this time, India returned the favour — and England fell 336 short. That bravado seems hollow now."
Gavaskar praised the Indian team’s composure on a tense final day, saying, "Whatever the nature of the pitch, to bat out the entire day and lose only four wickets under pressure is a tremendous achievement."
