ENG vs IND 2025: 'Would they have walked off?' - Gambhir defends Indian batters after no-handshake row in Manchester

Published - 28 Jul 2025, 09:51 IST | Updated - 28 Jul 2025, 10:00 IST

Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir has firmly backed his batters’ decision to continue batting and denying England captain Ben Stokes’ draw offer in Manchester Test.

Indian all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar displayed remarkable resilience, forging a 200-plus run partnership that spanned two full sessions. With the match heading inevitably toward a draw, England skipper proposed for a draw with Jadeja and Sundar unbeaten on 89 and 80, respectively.

However, the Indian pair declined the offer, aiming to complete their well-earned centuries as a reward for their effort. The decision did not sit well with the English side, and Ben Stokes attempted to persuade the Indian duo to reconsider. The England captain suggested Jadeja could reach his century against part-time bowler Harry Brook.

“If someone is batting on 90, and the other is batting on 85, don't they deserve a hundred? Would they have walked off? If someone from England would've been batting on 90 or 85, and had the opportunity to score their first Test hundred, wouldn't you allow them to do it?” Gambhir asked in the post-match press conference.

“See, it's up to them. If they want to play that way, it's up to them. I think both of those guys deserved a hundred, and they got it,” he added.

Got to give them a lot of credit: Stokes on Sundar, Jadeja

Both Jadeja and Sundar reached their respective centuries in the final overs of Day 5, after declining Stokes' offer to end the match early. The Indian duo’s determined stand ensured the fourth Test in Manchester ended in a draw, though Stokes was visibly displeased with how events unfolded.

India’s innings had begun on shaky ground after losing their first two wickets without a run on the board. However, opener KL Rahul and captain Shubman Gill steadied the ship with a resilient partnership that lasted over 60 overs on Day 4. On the final day, Jadeja and Sundar took charge, ensuring India did not hand England a victory. Their unbroken 200-plus run partnership not only frustrated the hosts but also denied them any late opportunity to force a result.

With the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy now standing at 2-1 in England’s favor, the fifth and final Test is set to begin on July 31 at The Oval, a must-win clash for India to level the series.