Dale Steyn declares Ben Stokes a gentleman in handshake row, blasts Jadeja, Sundar for chasing 'free milestones'

Former South Africa fast bowler Dale Steyn has come out in support of Ben Stokes following India’s refusal to shake hands at Old Trafford in Manchester. The former South African pacer stated that the visiting team had secured the draw and should not have continued batting for personal milestones.

India’s decision to decline England’s offer to end the fourth Test early in Manchester has sparked debate across the cricketing world. While many have supported India for staying within the rules and continuing to play, others have criticized England for trying to force other teams to act according to their wishes.

Ben Stokes Offers Handshake as Final Hour Begins with No Result Possible

Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar added an unbeaten 203-run partnership that helped the visitors secure a draw. Chris Woakes struck twice in the opening over of India’s second innings. England had another opportunity when Shubman Gill and KL Rahul were dismissed early on the final day.

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However, Jadeja and Sundar frustrated the hosts with their solid defence. As the match entered its final hour and a result became impossible, Ben Stokes approached the crease to offer a handshake and end the game.

However, Jadeja and Sundar declined, wanting to reach their centuries. The refusal left Stokes visibly frustrated, and England’s fielders responded with taunts before part-timer Harry Brook was brought on to finish proceedings. Jadeja and Sundar reached their hundreds before finally shaking hands.

They Were Batting for a Draw, That Was the Goal - Dale Steyn

Dale Steyn weighed in on the debate surrounding India’s refusal to accept England’s offer for an early draw in the fourth Test. Responding to Tabraiz Shamsi, who backed India's decision, Steyn described the situation as complex and bound to upset someone.

The former pacer noted that the goal for India had been to save the match, not to chase centuries. Steyn felt the “gentlemanly” move would have been to accept the handshake and end the game once that objective was achieved and a result was clearly out of reach.

"This onion has many layers to it, and each one will make someone cry. The only issue I see here is the one thing people aren’t realizing, the batters weren’t playing for 100s, they were batting for a DRAW. That was the goal. Draw the game," Dale Steyn wrote.

"Once that was accomplished, and a result was out of the question a handshake was offered, that’s the gentlemanly thing to do right? It’s not then the time to realize they safe and now say no we’d prefer some free milestones…"

"Although within the rules, just seems a little, well, odd. That said, they did bat well, and maybe with the last hour approaching they should have been more aggressive in reaching those milestones, at least then, we could all agree, no team tried to out do the other in this weird situation."

Shamo this onion has many layers to it, and each one will make someone cry. The only issue I see here is the one thing people aren’t realizing, the batters weren’t playing for 100s, they were batting for a DRAW. That was the goal. Draw the game. Once that was accomplished, and a…

— Dale Steyn (@DaleSteyn62) July 28, 2025

It’s Just the Rule That Teams Can Shake with an Hour Left - Dale Steyn

Dale Steyn stated that no individual decides how long a team should bat, but added that the rules allow both sides to agree on a draw in the final hour. He also mentioned that the last hour of play isn’t meant for chasing personal achievements.

"Well I don’t think any one individual calls the shots for how long someone can bat, it’s just the rule that teams can shake with a hour left," Steyn stated.

"The game was Eng going for a win, India going for a draw, time says it’s pointless to play on, neither TEAM will win/lose so handshakes and walk off. That final hour isn’t reserved for personal goals. As they say, there’s no I in team… That said, if it were you and me batting on 90 each, it would take a tank to pull us off that field! Haha," he added.

Well I don’t think any one individual calls the shots for how long someone can bat, it’s just the rule that teams can shake with a hour left.
The game was Eng going for a win, India going for a draw, time says it’s pointless to play on, neither TEAM will win/lose so handshakes…

— Dale Steyn (@DaleSteyn62) July 28, 2025

Also read: Shubman Gill achieves milestone that Virat Kohli never reached in his Test career