Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir has firmly supported his players’ choice to continue batting, rejecting England captain Ben Stokes’ draw offer in the Manchester Test.
Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar, Indian all-rounders, demonstrated incredible perseverance by forming a partnership of almost 200 runs over two complete sessions. With the match undoubtedly heading for a draw, England’s captain sought a draw, with Jadeja and Sundar undefeated at 89 and 80, respectively.
However, the Indian pair declined the offer, preferring to finish their well-earned centuries as a reward for their efforts. The choice did not sit well with the English team, and Ben Stokes tried to encourage the Indian duo to rethink. The England skipper believed that Jadeja may score a century against part-time spinner Harry Brook.
“If one is batting on 90 and the other is batting on 85, don’t they both deserve 100? Would they have walked away? If someone from England was batting at 90 or 85 and had the chance to hit their maiden Test century, wouldn’t you let them do it?”
Gambhir asked during the post-match press conference.
“Look, it’s up to them. If they want to play that way, it’s their choice. “I believe both of those guys deserved a hundred, and they got it,” he continued.
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.
India
