Our Bureau
London
The Indian batters on Day 5 of the 4th Test showcased an incredible display of grit and determination and saved the test which was once tilted in England’s favour. Not only did India save the match but they batted so well that the England team was willing to end the match sooner and accept the draw offering India a handshake.
The whole ‘Handshake Controversy’ happened when England’s Captain Ben Stokes offered to end the match in a draw with 15 overs still to go in the match. However, Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar, who both had batted beautifully, refused to accept the draw at that point as they were both closing in to their centuries. The English team wasn’t too happy with the Indian batters and the skipper’s frustration was evident on his face.
The Indian Head Coach, Gautam Gambhir completely supported the decision taken by his players to not take the draw before completing his century. He even questioned the home side whether they would have left the field if their players were on the verge of hundreds. Gambhir in his own stern way stated that the Indian team is not there to please anyone.
“If someone’s batting on 90 and another on 85, don’t they deserve their centuries? Would England have walked off if their own players were close to milestones? No. Our boys weathered the storm. They earned those tons. We’re not here to please anyone,” Gambhir said at the post-match press conference.
Indian skipper Shubman Gill also backed his players as well, stating that they batted magnificently and were well deserving of a century. Gill said at the post-match presentation, “Definitely it was up to the boys, but we thought they batted brilliantly. Both of them were in their 90s, so we thought they deserved a century.”
