‘There’s Merit In Dialling Down…’: Aakash Chopra Takes A Dig At England’s Approach After Ben Stokes’ “Handshake” Drama

Former Indian cricketer and noted commentator Aakash Chopra has stirred a fresh debate in the cricketing world with his recent tweet aimed at England’s attitude toward individual milestones in Test cricket.

Reacting to the controversial moment in the India vs England 4th Test at Old Trafford, where England captain Ben Stokes offered a handshake to settle the match for a draw while Indian batters Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar were closing in on their respective centuries, Chopra tweeted, “If England is likely to promote cricket that doesn’t celebrate individual milestones, there’s merit in dialling down the hype around the ‘honours board’ in certain grounds.”

The tweet came amid criticism of Stokes’ timing and intent, as fans and former players questioned why the English captain would propose a draw while two Indian batters were approaching personal milestones. At the time of the handshake offer, Jadeja and Sundar were batting confidently, with India having already secured a safe position in the Test match. The Indian duo ignored the offer, continuing to bat before the match eventually ended in a draw.

Chopra’s tweet resonated with many Indian fans who saw Stokes’ gesture as an attempt to deny Indian batters their due moment of glory. It also reignites a broader conversation about the balance between team results and personal milestones in the age of aggressive, fast-paced Test cricket.

IND Vs ENG, 4th Test: Ben Stokes Refuses To Shake Hands With Ravindra Jadeja & Washington Sundar After “Handshake” Drama; Video 

A moment of post-match tension marked the end of the 4th Test between India and England at Old Trafford, Manchester, as England captain Ben Stokes refused to shake hands with Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar following the official conclusion of the match. The incident came after an intense Day 5, where India declined an earlier offer by England to settle for a draw.

With the match heading into its final phase and India in a commanding position, England had extended a handshake through skipper Ben Stokes as a symbolic gesture to call off the game. However, Team India chose to bat on, making it clear they wanted to end the Test on their own terms. Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar, both of whom scored unbeaten centuries, led India’s effort to counter England’s first-innings total of 669.

After Jadeja reached his century, England’s Harry Brook had also stepped forward with a handshake gesture, which Jadeja and Sundar pointedly ignored. The tension simmered as India closed out their innings without conceding ground. Once the match was officially drawn, all eyes were on the customary post-match handshakes. In an unexpected move, Ben Stokes bypassed Jadeja and Sundar, walking past them without any acknowledgment, a stark contrast to the sportsmanship typically seen at the end of long Tests.

The refusal to shake hands has fueled speculation and debate, with some interpreting it as a reaction to India rejecting the earlier draw offer, while others viewed it as an emotional response to England’s inability to secure a win despite a dominant first innings.