ENG vs IND 2025: ‘Draw was the goal, not hundreds’ – Dale Steyn slams Jadeja, Sundar for denying Ben Stokes' draw offer in Manchester

Former South African pacer Dale Steyn offered a different perspective on the drama that unfolded during the final hour of the fourth Test between India and England in Manchester. Steyn came to the defense of England captain Ben Stokes, questioning the intent behind Indian all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar pursuing personal milestones when the match outcome was no longer in doubt.

India, who were under pressure after being reduced to 0/2 early in their second innings, mounted a strong comeback after KL Rahul and Shubman Gill formed a crucial partnership on Day 4, setting the platform for Jadeja and Sundar. The duo then stitched together a remarkable 203-run unbeaten stand, helping India secure a draw and keep the series alive.

As the final hour approached and a result seemed out of reach, Stokes approached the batters to suggest ending the match with a handshake. However, the Indian batters, both nearing centuries, declined the offer. In response, Stokes handed the ball to part-timer Harry Brook, seemingly allowing them the opportunity to reach their milestones.

South African spinner Tabraiz Shamsi sided with the Indian batters, stating he saw nothing wrong with players wanting to achieve individual landmarks in a drawn match. The incident sparked a debate in the cricketing world, highlighting the balance between sportsmanship and individual ambition in the longer format of the game.

"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, and they were fully entitled to make their choice. They got their 100s, which they worked hard for. Game over," Shamsi wrote on X.

Tabraiz Shamsi@shamsi90

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

Dale Steyn@DaleSteyn62

@shamsi90 Shamo this onion has many layers to it, and each one will make someone cry. The only issue I see here is the one thing people aren’t realizing, the batters weren’t playing for 100s, they were batting for a DRAW. That was the goal. Draw the game. Once that was accomplished, and a

12:05 AM · Jul 29, 2025

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Steyn agreed that Jadeja and Sundar fully deserved their centuries but noted that they should have shown more urgency in the final hour if their goal was to reach three figures. He reminded that the primary objective was to secure a draw, not personal milestones.

“Shamo (Shamsi) this onion has many layers to it, and each one will make someone cry. The only issue I see here is the one thing people aren’t realizing, the batters weren’t playing for 100s, they were batting for a DRAW. That was the goal. Draw the game. Once that was accomplished, and a result was out of the question a handshake was offered, that’s the gentlemanly thing to do right? It’s not then the time to realize they safe and now say no we’d prefer some free milestones… although within the rules, just seems a little, well, odd. That said, they did bat well, and maybe with the last hour approaching they should have been more aggressive in reaching those milestones, at least then, we could all agree, no team tried to out do the other in this weird situation,” Steyn replied to Shamsi.