As the final moments of the 4th Test between India and England unfolded at Old Trafford, an unexpected and somewhat dramatic scene played out. With the match seemingly drifting toward a draw, England captain Ben Stokes offered a sportsmanlike handshake, signaling his willingness to call off play and settle the result. However, to the surprise of many, India’s Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar refused the gesture and opted to continue batting.
Their decision instantly sparked tension on the field. The English players, including Stokes, appeared visibly displeased by the rejection, perhaps interpreting it as a breach of the unwritten understanding that governs such late-match situations.
The refusal to end the game there and then added a touch of defiance to the Indian side’s approach, suggesting they had more to prove or more to achieve—possibly Sundar’s maiden Test century still within reach.
Adding an unexpected layer of humour to the otherwise intense scene, cameras caught Indian batter Shubman Gill chuckling in the dressing room. His amused reaction to the unfolding drama quickly became a talking point on social media, with fans interpreting it as a light-hearted take on what could have otherwise escalated into a heated exchange. Gill’s laughter offered a brief comic relief in a moment brimming with competitive energy.
This refusal wasn’t just about extending a match—it symbolized India’s determination to control the narrative till the very last ball. Jadeja and Sundar’s decision to bat on may have been motivated by personal or team milestones, but it also sent a strong message about grit and commitment. In Test cricket, where every run and every moment can shape a series, this act stood out as one of quiet defiance and focus.
Draw வேணும்! ஆனா எங்களுக்கு இப்போ வேண்டாம்😂
— Star Sports Tamil (@StarSportsTamil) July 27, 2025
📺 தொடர்ந்து காணுங்கள் | England vs India | 4th Test | Day 5 | JioHotstar-ல்#ENGvIND #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/wNAiAzTkMO
In the end, what could have been a quiet handshake-and-walk-off moment turned into a memorable incident—one that underlined the intensity of the series. As the teams gear up for the final showdown, the drama at Old Trafford will surely linger in conversations, not just for the cricket played, but for the spirit in which the game was carried forward—charged, unyielding, and filled with character.