Dramatic Standoff in Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy as Indian Batters Refuse Draw

In a thrilling turn of events during the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, Indian cricketers Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar rejected England captain Ben Stokes' offer to end the match in a draw. With both players nearing their centuries, they chose to continue batting, much to the dismay of the English team. This decision sparked a heated exchange on the field, highlighting the competitive spirit of the game. As tensions rose, Jadeja's impressive performance culminated in his third Test century, despite the England team's questionable sportsmanship. Discover the full story behind this dramatic standoff and its implications for the series.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 28, 2025, 01:59 IST

Intense Moments in the Fourth Test

A gripping scene unfolded during the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy on Sunday when Indian players Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar declined England captain Ben Stokes' suggestion to end the fourth Test in a draw just before the final hour of play.

There exists a rule that permits both team captains to agree on a draw if they believe that a result is unattainable.

Having fought hard to secure a respectable draw, Jadeja and Washington, who were at 89 and 80 runs respectively, firmly turned down Stokes' proposal after he consulted the umpire, much to the captain's frustration.

As both players neared their centuries, having rescued India from a daunting 311-run deficit in their second innings, they chose to continue their innings.

Support for this decision came from India’s coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Shubman Gill.

Gambhir remarked during a press conference, "If an English player was on 90, would they have walked off? Don’t they deserve to reach a hundred?"

Gill added, "It was their choice, and both were close to centuries; they deserved that opportunity."

Earlier in the match, Stokes had expressed his thoughts as Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett questioned India's intent to keep batting.

Stokes sarcastically asked, "Do you want to score a hundred against Harry Brook?" to which Jadeja simply replied, "I can’t do anything."

Later, Stokes commented, "We pushed the game as far as we could. Once a draw seemed unavoidable, I wasn’t willing to risk my bowlers with the quick turnaround before the fifth Test."

Despite the tension, Jadeja maintained his composure, reminding the English players that India was entitled to continue batting under the rules.

In what appeared to be a form of protest, Stokes brought Harry Brook into the bowling attack, and Jadeja hit him for a six, marking his third Test century.

However, the England team's poor sportsmanship was evident as they resorted to bowling ineffective deliveries, often referred to as 'donkey drops', in protest.