Dale Steyn, a former pacer for South Africa, provided an alternative viewpoint on the drama that transpired in Manchester during the last hour of the fourth Test match between England and India. When the outcome of the match was certain, Steyn defended England captain Ben Stokes by raising doubts about the motivations behind Indian all-rounders Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja’s pursuit of personal achievements.
After being lowered to 0/2 early in their second innings, India was under pressure, but they came back strongly on Day 4 with to a vital partnership between KL Rahul and Shubman Gill that provided the groundwork for Jadeja and Sundar. After that, the pair put up an incredible 203-run unbroken partnership that helped India earn a draw and salvage the series.
Stokes went up to the batters and suggested shaking hands to terminate the match as the last hour drew near and a victory appeared unattainable. The Indian batsmen, who were both getting close to centuries, turned down the offer, though. Stokes responded by passing the ball to Harry Brook, a substitute, which apparently gave them the chance to accomplish their goals.
In a drawn match, South African spinner Tabraiz Shamsi concurred with the Indian batsmen, saying he didn’t see anything wrong with players aiming to reach personal records. The event generated discussion in the cricket community about how to reconcile individual aspirations and sportsmanship in the lengthier format of the game.
“Why is the Indians’ decision to decline the offer to quickly stop the game in a draw being such a huge deal? They made the offer. They had the right to choose, and the offer was turned down. They put a lot of effort into earning their 100s. “Game over,” wrote Shamsi on X.
Why is there such a big deal being made about the Indians choosing not to accept the offer to end the game in a draw immediately?
The offer was made..the offer was rejected n they were fully entitled to make their choice
They got their 100s which they worked hard for
Game over
— Tabraiz Shamsi (@shamsi90) July 28, 2025
Dale Steyn, a former pacer for South Africa, provided an alternative viewpoint on the drama that transpired in Manchester during the last hour of the fourth Test match between England and India.
When the outcome of the match was certain, Steyn defended England captain Ben Stokes by raising doubts about the motivations behind Indian all-rounders Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja’s pursuit of personal achievements.
After being lowered to 0/2 early in their second innings, India was under pressure, but they came back strongly on Day 4 with to a vital partnership between KL Rahul and Shubman Gill that provided the groundwork for Jadeja and Sundar. After that, the pair put up an incredible 203-run unbroken partnership that helped India earn a draw and salvage the series.
Stokes went up to the batters and suggested shaking hands to terminate the match as the last hour drew near and a victory appeared unattainable. The Indian batsmen, who were both getting close to centuries, turned down the offer, though. Stokes responded by passing the ball to Harry Brook, a substitute, which apparently gave them the chance to accomplish their goals.
In a drawn match, South African spinner Tabraiz Shamsi concurred with the Indian batsmen, saying he didn’t see anything wrong with players aiming to reach personal records. The event generated discussion in the cricket community about how to reconcile individual aspirations and sportsmanship in the lengthier format of the game.
“Why is the Indians’ decision to decline the offer to quickly stop the game in a draw being such a huge deal? They made the offer. They had the right to choose, and the offer was turned down. They put a lot of effort into earning their 100s. “Game over,” wrote Shamsi on X.
India
