England captain Ben Stokes is facing heavy criticism for his conduct during the final moments of the fourth Test against India in Manchester, after his controversial offer to end the match early was firmly rejected by the Indian team.
The Test match, which saw India pull off a gritty escape thanks to standout performances by Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, KL Rahul, and Shubman Gill, has been overshadowed by Stokes’ actions. With 90 minutes left on Day 4 and the match headed towards a certain draw, Stokes approached the Indian batters, offering to shake hands and end the game prematurely. However, Jadeja and Sundar, who were both nearing centuries, refused — a move that irked the England captain.
Sanjay Manjrekar Criticizes Stokes
Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar criticized Stokes, calling him a “spoiled kid” for attempting to call off play.
“He was a bit of a spoilsport. Jadeja and Sundar had batted for hours, and being so close to a hundred, there was no way they would agree. This shows how frustrated England were, and it’s all because of the fight shown by this new-age Indian batting lineup,” Manjrekar said on JioStar.
Controversy Over Sportsmanship
The incident has sparked debates over the spirit of the game, with fans and experts questioning whether Stokes would have taken the same step if two England batters were on the brink of centuries. The stump mic even caught heated exchanges between Stokes, Jadeja, and other Indian players.
To make matters worse, England’s Harry Brook bowled what many termed “charity balls” — soft deliveries that allowed Jadeja and Sundar to complete their milestones, a move widely seen as petty and unprofessional.
The Bigger Picture
India’s resilient batting drew comparisons to the legendary Sydney 2021 Test, with many fans calling this draw “as good as a win” due to the circumstances. India’s lead had crossed 100 runs with six wickets remaining, leaving England with little chance of forcing a result.
Manjrekar added:
“Would Stokes have done the same if his batters were nearing milestones? I doubt it. His frustration was clear, but it was India’s determination that forced this reaction.”
