After England skipper Ben Stokes ignored individual milestones, analyst Akash Chopra, the former Indian cricketer, has called for an end to the hype around the “honorary committee” for certain reasons.
The India vs England series has almost reached its final stage as the series decider will take place at the Oval on July 31st. England may lead the Series 2-1, but India is also promised at some points in the series.
However, despite the intense actions of cricket, the series witnessed some controversy. One of them includes a recent denial by Rabindra Jadeha when Ben Stokes offered a friendly handshake to settle the draw after his fourth Test 15 over.
Your daily cricket dosage!
Ravindra Jadeja denied the English skipper’s offer. Supporting captains and coaches based on decisions in Manchester
Ravindra Jadeja is also another Indian player along with skipper Shubman Gill. Jadeja has won four half-centuries and is now undefeated several times, as in the first century. The batters have accumulated over 400 runs, an average of over 110.
After India was given a huge target for a British batsman with 311 runs, there was a high risk that India would lose the series through two days of play in Manchester. Shubman Gill and KL Rahul began with the Indian fight after two early wickets in the first of two innings.
After the end of a record partnership between the two batters that continued for the 417 ball, Washington Sner was sent before Jadeha or Pants in the Indian batting lineup. Jadeja and Sundar were then responsible for hitting Indian innings throughout two sessions on the fifth day, loading 203 runs in two partnerships.
When the possible conclusion of the match ended, British skipper Ben Stokes offered the Indian batsmen a handshake to end the match with an early draw. Jadeja and Sundar denied the offer and hit another five overs to reach hundreds of each.
India’s head coach Gautam Gambir and Indian skipper Shubman Gill supported Jadeha for the decision.
Ben Stokes clears his stand in a handshake row
After several players criticized Ben Stokes’ offer to shake hands when two Indian batters were on the brink of hundreds, the British skipper stepped forward to take the stance for himself.
He clearly stated that Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar are respectful in playing two ideal innings and saving the Indian match. Therefore, he did not feel the importance of the century or other personal records.
He argued that leaving after an 80-90 run that worked for your team is just as authoritative as a milestone like the century. After his statement, former English batsman Jonathan Trottt gained his support and claimed that if Shubman Gill had proposed a similar handshake, the English team would have accepted.
After Ben Stokes and a few British players, former Indian cricketer Akash Chopra reversed the attack on them after repeatedly criticising Rabindra Jadeha and Washington Sundar for claiming personal milestones.
“If England is likely to promote cricket that doesn’t celebrate individual milestones, then there is a benefit to dialing hype around the “honor committee” for certain reasons,” writes Aakash Chopra on his X-handle.
If England is likely to promote cricket that doesn’t celebrate individual milestones, then there is a benefit to dialing hype around the “honor committee” for certain reasons. 🙌
-Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) July 29, 2025
Also Read: Lancashire takes action after Pakistani fan controversy explodes in India vs. England Manchester Test