Gautam Gambhir slams England over the no-handshake controversy after India’s win in Manchester. Questions if England would have walked off in similar circumstances.

Gautam Gambhir Blasts England Over Manchester ‘No-Handshake’ Incident

Gambhir Defends Jadeja and Sundar—Questions England’s Sportsmanship

Would They Have Walked Off?” Gambhir Challenges England’s Behavior

India head coach Gautam Gambhir didn’t mince words following the dramatic conclusion of the fourth Test at Manchester (Old Trafford), slamming England for attempting to force a premature draw when Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar were on the cusp of centuries. Gambhir questioned whether England would have allowed their own players to walk off in the same situation.

• On the final day of the Test, with India’s Jadeja on 89 and Sundar on 80, England’s captain Ben Stokes offered a handshake and a draw with 15 overs remaining. He argued his bowlers deserved a rest and a draw was the likely outcome.
• Jadeja and Sundar declined, determined to reach their centuries. They eventually did—Sundar notched his first Test ton, and Jadeja followed suit soon after.
• Stokes was visibly frustrated. According to reports, he asked Jadeja, “If you wanted a 100, you should have batted like it earlier,” and suggested he try scoring off part-timer Harry Brook. Jadeja replied calmly, “I can’t do anything.” Brook ended up bowling expensive overs, and Jadeja smashed a six to complete his hundred.

Gambhir’s Fiery Take

In the post-match press conference, Gambhir turned the critics’ attention back on England:

“If someone is batting on 90 and the other on 85, don’t they deserve a hundred? Would England have walked off if one of their players was in the same position.

He maintained that both Jadeja and Sundar had earned their centuries through grit and determination:

“It’s up to them. They got to the milestone, and they deserved it.”

Gambhir also criticised England’s refusal to shake hands once the duo had completed their centuries, calling it unsportsmanlike.

Series Context and Implications

• India’s resilient batting—highlighted by Jadeja’s 107, Sundar’s 101, Gill’s 103, and Rahul’s 90**—meant India finished at 425/4, earning a draw and keeping the series alive (England leads 2‑1 heading into the final Test).
• Gambhir praised the fighting spirit of the team, aligning with public sentiment in India about pride and resilience.

Why This Matters

• Sportsmanship vs. Milestones: The debate highlights an age-old tension in cricket—should the game lean towards closing matches early for player welfare or allow individual players to chase personal milestones?
• Cultural Context: In India, reaching a maiden Test ton is a monumental occasion. For Jadeja and Sundar, refusing the handshake and batting on was about honour and achievement.
• Power Dynamics: Gambhir’s pointed remarks emphasize that England, as the host and more experienced team, should respect the lesser-experienced batters’ pursuit of glory.

Closing Thoughts

Gambhir’s tough stance underscores his belief that Jadeja and Sundar were fully entitled to keep batting—even at the cost of frustration for the opposition. His rhetorical “Would they have walked off?” flipped the criticism back onto England and sparked a wider debate about tradition, respect, and individual ambition in modern cricket.

READ ALSO…….Woman Allegedly Gang-Raped in Moving Ambulance After Fainting During Home Guard Exam in Bihar 2025