Washington Sundar has opened up about the controversial handshake incident involving England captain Ben Stokes during the fourth Test match between India and England, stating that it fueled the Indian team's determination. The incident occurred on the final day of the Manchester Test, with India fighting to avoid defeat after England had secured a significant first-innings lead.
India mounted a strong comeback in their second innings, with solid performances from KL Rahul and Shubman Gill. Later, Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar took the attack to the English bowlers. With both Jadeja and Sundar approaching their centuries in the last hour of play, Stokes offered a handshake to Jadeja, signaling a draw with about 15 overs remaining. This is a customary way for teams to end the game. However, the Indian duo declined the offer, as they were focused on reaching their individual milestones.
Sundar noted that such moments are common in competitive sports. He told Wisden, "I mean, it just happens in any sport, doesn't it? We've seen a lot of such things happen, not just in cricket, but in any sport. I mean, that's how sport is. It brings out a lot. I think it was just an experience for all of us, honestly". He admitted that the tension surrounding the situation fired him up.
The decision by Jadeja and Sundar didn't sit well with Stokes and some other England players, who visibly expressed their displeasure. Some questioned whether the Indian duo's actions were in the right spirit of the game.
Sundar said, "One hundred per cent. You ask this to any player — that's exactly what you would hear. Especially in Test cricket, you want to be challenged because that's exactly what you expect every single day. And when the situation gets tough, the only thing that will help you get over it and come out successful is being really tough in your head. Every player who's played this format and been successful would have done this extremely well and over a long period of time, quite consistently as well".
Sachin Tendulkar also weighed in on the controversy, defending Jadeja and Sundar's decision. Tendulkar criticized Stokes' approach and stated that it wasn't India's concern to ensure that England's bowlers were well-rested for the fifth Test. He said, "Washington scored a hundred, and Jadeja scored a hundred. Why is it not in the right spirit? They were playing for a draw... The series was alive, so why should they go ahead (and shake hands) and give rest to England bowlers and fielders? If England wanted to hand the ball to Harry Brook, it was Ben Stokes' choice. It wasn't India's problem. To me, it was fine. They were playing for a draw, not their hundreds. If they had gotten out when they came to bat, we could've lost".
Despite the tension, a video later emerged showing Stokes shaking hands with Sundar and Jadeja after the match. The incident became a major talking point, highlighting the intensity and competitive spirit between the two sides.
