July 28, 2025

Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif has voiced his strong disapproval of England captain Ben Stokes' actions during the final day of the nail-biting Manchester Test against India. Stokes, who was in the throes of a tense match, approached India’s Ravindra Jadeja, whose batting dominated the proceedings, and suggested a handshake to end the match in a draw. Jadeja, however, declined the offer, determined to continue his innings as both he and teammate Washington Sundar were closing in on their centuries. This encounter escalated into a heated exchange that drew the ire of Kaif and many fans. As the match unfolded, India firmly established a commanding position, ending the day at 425 for 4, with Jadeja cruising at 107 not out and Sundar supporting admirably at 101. The two forged a formidable partnership that was worth 203 runs, effectively putting England out of contention for a victory. Despite the pressure, Jadeja and Sundar's solid performance overshadowed England's attempts to intimidate them with chatter, showcasing India's resilience. Kaif criticized Stokes for what he perceived as a sign of weakness, asserting that the England captain should have focused more fiercely on taking wickets rather than attempting to halt play. In a video statement on Instagram, Kaif remarked, "Ben Stokes lost respect because of that one moment when he wanted to end the game early. You had almost two days to bowl India out. You could not win. What were you trying to achieve by asking for a handshake?" This sentiment resonated with fans who felt Stokes' actions did not reflect the spirit of competitive cricket. Kaif acknowledged Stokes’ previous contributions on the field, yet emphasized that a single misstep could tarnish a player’s hard-earned reputation. “The respect takes years to build, and just one moment to lose it. This was that moment for Ben Stokes,” he added, reflecting the frustration that many felt over the incident. Stokes' previous efforts in the match were commendable, but his decision to seek an early handshake overshadowed those accomplishments. As spectators and former players weighed in on the controversial moment, a poll emerged questioning whether Stokes had indeed lost respect among fans. The response indicated a divided opinion, but many shared Kaif’s sentiments. With cricket matches often being a battle of mental endurance, Stokes’ request was seen as an unusual strategy in an environment where every run counts and every wicket must be fought for relentlessly. Looking ahead, the cricketing world will be keen to observe how Stokes addresses this incident in future press conferences and if he can restore his reputation with strong performances in upcoming matches. For many fans and analysts, the handshake incident serves as a reminder of the fine line athletes walk between competitiveness and sportsmanship. Overall, the Manchester Test has provided a backdrop for deep discussions about the behaviors and expectations of cricketers, encapsulating the high stakes of international sports and the scrutiny that comes with it. As the England team regroups after this encounter, they will need to reflect on their approach and mindset to reclaim the respect and performance quality expected of them. Through this lens, the narrative surrounding Stokes remains critical, as he contemplates his next steps in both leadership and individual performance on the grand stage of cricket.

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Tags: Ben stokes, Mohammad kaif, Ravindra jadeja, Handshake controversy,