Washington Sundar Breaks Silence on Ben Stokes’ Handshake Snub

The Indian batter reveals how England captain Ben Stokes’ frustration over their refusal to accept an early draw motivated the team, leading to a nail-biting series finale.

August 14, 2025: There was a lot of drama in the recent Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series between India and England. One of the most talked-about events happened during the Manchester Test. Ben Stokes, the captain of England, tried to spare their bowlers for the series finale by offering Indian batters Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar a draw. However, they turned it down.

Washington Sundar told Wisden that Stokes’s reaction, in which he questioned the Indian batters’ focus on personal goals over the demands of the team, had a motivating effect on the team. “I guess that’s just how it is in any sport, right?” Washington stated. “That’s how sports are. It makes a lot happen. Honestly, I think it was just an experience for all of us.

The two Indians, who were both close to getting their 100 at the moment, elected to keep batting, which clearly upset Stokes. Sundar, who later scored his first Test century, noted that players want to be challenged in Test cricket.

The tie in Manchester kept the series going at 2-2, which set up an exciting end at The Oval. India won the last Test by only six runs, which made the series a memorable tie.