Here’s what really happened regarding the handshake controversy involving Ben Stokes and Ravindra Jadeja during the fourth Test at Old Trafford, Manchester on July 27, 2025:
What really happened?
1. England’s early draw offer rejected
With around 15 overs left on Day 5, England captain Ben Stokes approached Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar and offered a mutual handshake to concede a draw—believing a win was no longer possible and unwilling to further risk his frontline bowlers The Times+15NDTV Sports+15India Today+15.
Jadeja and Sundar, both nearing centuries, declined and chose to continue playing to finish their personal milestones, eventually reaching their hundreds and securing a heroic draw for India with a 203-run unbeaten stand mint+12NDTV Sports+12Hindustan Times+12.
2. The handshake chaos
As other players began walking off, Stokes initially refused to shake hands with Jadeja. He shook hands with Sundar and most England players, but when Jadeja approached, Stokes turned his back Hindustan Times. Jadeja persisted—and eventually they shook hands, but reportedly without any eye contact The Guardian+15Hindustan Times+15Hindustan Times+15.
Former cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar observed Jadeja remained composed and smiling, even urging Stokes to cool down. Only later did Jadeja also lose patience in front of stump mic cameras Hindustan Times.
3. Aftermath: statements and reactions
At the post‑match press conference, Stokes defended his actions, saying that as soon as a draw became inevitable, he wasn’t going to risk his main bowlers with an upcoming short turnaround between Tests NDTV Sports+6NDTV Sports+6The Economic Times+6.
He did acknowledge Jadeja and Sundar had played well—calling their batting “very, very good”—but questioned whether chasing a personal hundred mattered more than team objectives The Times+15NDTV Sports+15The Times+15.
Shubman Gill, the Indian captain, defended the decision, noting that Jadeja and Sundar had earned their centuries through grit and patience: “A Test hundred is a Test hundred” The Times+4Daily Telegraph+4The Times of India+4. Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir backed the choice, arguing Jadeja and Sundar had the right to complete their milestones, pointing out that individual records shouldn’t be dismissed when team survival was on the line The Guardianmint.
4. Opinions from the media
Commentators from across the cricket world criticized England’s conduct. Former England captains Nasser Hussain and Mike Atherton called India’s action fully justified and said England’s attitude was “unsportsmanlike” and “petty” The Times of India+3Daily Telegraph+3FOX SPORTS+3.
The fourth Test is now widely regarded as one of the most dramatic draws in recent Test history, not least because of the spotlight on the clash between sportsmanship and personal achievement Daily TelegraphNews.com.auThe GuardianThe Times of India.
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✅ So, did Stokes refuse to shake hands with Jadeja?
Yes, he initially did. Stokes shook hands with Sundar and others, but turned away when Jadeja first approached—only later conceding the handshake—but reportedly still avoiding eye contact Hindustan TimesIndia TodayThe Economic Times.
Why it mattered
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England saw it as safeguarding their bowlers and preserving team intent.
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India and neutral observers viewed the decision to finish centuries as principled and earned.
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The incident sparked fierce debate around what constitutes sportsmanship in Test cricket.