Introduction: Headlines, Hype, and Heat
Recent Test matches between England and India have been nothing short of dramatic. Tensions flared in Birmingham and Manchester, with Ben Stokes and India’s Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar at the centre of attention. Accusations of “snubbing” have taken centre stage—but what really happened?
The Edgbaston Exchange: Pitchgate and Accusations on Day 2
- On July 3, 2025, during Day 2 of the second Test at Edgbaston, Ben Stokes and Chris Woakes repeatedly complained to on-field umpires that Ravindra Jadeja was running through the pitch’s “danger area,” allegedly scuffing it deliberately.
- Stokes reportedly remarked, “Look what you have done, mate.” Jadeja retorted calmly: “Why would I do that? My focus was on batting?”.
- Jadeja clarified post-match: any infractions were accidental, perhaps only once or twice. He emphasized that he had no intention of damaging the pitch to gain a bowling advantage.
This incident began circulating as Stokes “snubbing” Jadeja—though Jadeja himself repeatedly denied intent, calling it mind games from the English camp.
Tactical Brilliance: Jadeja’s 100‑Second Over and Sundar’s Big Wicket
- Fast forward to Day 5 at Edgbaston: India needed quick wickets. Jadeja bowled the sixth over of the session in under 100 seconds, enabling India to sneak in one extra over before lunch.
- Captain Shubman Gill immediately brought on Washington Sundar, who dismissed Ben Stokes LBW for 33 off that bonus over—thanks to Jadeja’s astute timing and Sundar’s execution.
- This dismissal tilted the Test decisively in India’s favour and ultimately led to a historic win at Edgbaston—their first at the ground.
Far from being snubbed, Jadeja and Sundar delivered together—Jadeja’s presence and Sundar’s clever bowling transformed the contest.
Old Trafford Drama: Handshake Snub and Century Milestones
India Holds Firm for Jadeja & Sundar’s Ton Ups
- The fourth Test at Old Trafford ended in a thrilling draw on July 27, 2025. India recovered from a huge deficit, with Jadeja (107*) and Sundar (100*) steadying the ship in a legendary unbroken partnership.
- With around 15 overs remaining, England’s Ben Stokes offered a handshake and draw, expecting India to accept. Instead, India refused. Jadeja and Sundar were allowed to complete their centuries.
- The refusal to accept the draw—seen as denying India their deserved milestones—drew ire and headlines, branding Stokes as unsportsmanlike. India’s Ravichandran Ashwin spoke out, saying India should not let England dictate timing: “Your frustration, not our problem!”.
The Aftermatch “Snub”
- After stumps, when Stokes approached Jadeja and Sundar to shake hands, the gesture was brief and tense. They did eventually shake hands, following a short conversation—and images suggested it didn’t begin warmly.
- That brief exchange fueled speculation: was Stokes snubbing the pair? Angular angles, stump‑mic audio, and press commentary framed it as awkward at best, antagonistic at worst. But nothing stated outright that Stokes refused to acknowledge them—he simply looked visibly irritated and delayed the handshake.
Media Take & Public Reaction
- Coverage from The Daily Telegraph criticised England’s behavior as petty—including refusal to clap for Jadeja’s ton and taunting comments (“You want a Test hundred against Harry Brook?”). The article called out England’s “babbling Brook & Bazball boys” and predicted further tension ahead of the Ashes.
- Fans, former players, and cricket commentators widely condemned the negative reaction—from sarcastic taunts to lack of applause—calling it “shameless” stunt by England.
- Ashwin’s comments gave voice to a broader Indian consensus that Jadeja and Sundar had earned their moments regardless of England’s fatigue or emotional discomfort.
What’s the “Real Story”? Debunking the Snub Narrative
| Claim | Reality |
|---|---|
| Stokes deliberately snubbed Jadeja/Sundar | After offering a handshake post‑match, Stokes eventually shook hands. The tension reflected high-pressure cricket, not deliberate disrespect. |
| Jadeja deliberately damaged the pitch | Jadeja denied intent; said any stepping was accidental and minor. Described the complaints as England’s mind games, not fact-backed grievances. |
| India refused draw to antagonise | India allowed Jadeja and Sundar to reach centuries—they earned that. England’s scenario was no longer competitive. India played out sportsmanship and achievement. |
| The series is turning personal | While tensions flared, exchanges remain within cricket context. Next stage—the Ashes—will be about competition, not personal vendettas. |
Voices From Both Camps
- Ravindra Jadeja: “My focus was on batting. I don’t need to rough the pitch.” He stressed that stepping once or twice wasn’t intentional and he wouldn’t bowl where he marred the surface.
- Ravichandran Ashwin: Defended Jadeja and Sundar after Old Trafford, stating it was India’s right to continue batting and let personal milestones unfold. Criticized England’s attitude as Bengaluru‑style frustration, not cricket’s grace.
- Ben Stokes: Scored 141 runs and took six wickets in the Old Trafford Test, yet after the match admitted he’d trade his personal achievements for a win. He said he didn’t want to risk frontline bowlers and the outcome was all but sealed. His frustration was with context—not individuals.
Why the Tension? A Series at the Edge
- Bazball vs Pragmatic Cricket
England’s aggressive “Bazball” strategy—fast declarations, punishing batting—clashed with India’s solidity and fight-bat style. Emotions heighten when led by captains of opposite temperament. - Contextual triggers
- Jadeja had claimed a crucial wicket via Sundar’s bowling (assisted tactically by Jadeja’s quick over).
- England’s offer to shake hands—widely seen as premature.
- India’s refusal looked like emotional victory dance but was backing grit and personal achievement.
- High Stakes, High Emotion
With the series still alive, pride and psychology come into play. What some call “snub” others see as fair leadership under pressure.
Final Thoughts: Respect or Rift?
- The “snub” story has been sensationalised. What occurred was cricket tension, personal pride, and strategic decision-making—not career‑ending animosity.
- Jadeja and Sundar pushed through to centuries. Jadeja set up a big wicket. If anything, the headlines should read India outclassed England on pride, patience, and planning.
- As cricket fans gear up for the series decider at The Oval, one hopes the competitive drama continues—with more runs, wickets, and memorable cricket—less speculation over alleged snubs.
Summary
- Accusations of Jadeja messing with the pitch were denied—not supported by firm evidence.
- Jadeja’s quick over and Sundar’s wicket of Stokes at Edgbaston were tactical masterclasses.
- At Old Trafford, the refusal to accept a draw was about letting two players complete deserved centuries—not spite.
- The handshake moment was tense—but not a flat-out snub: Stokes eventually greeted both Jadeja and Sundar.
- Media and fan framing of the incidents largely lean toward India’s composure and England’s frustration—not mutual disrespect.
