Sachin Tendulkar Stays Firm With Team India Amid Ben Stokes Handshake Row

The recently concluded Anderson Tendulkar Test series between India and England proved to be one of the most suspenseful encounters in recent history of the game. Following five grueling matches full of twists and turns for both the teams the series concluded in a 2-2 tie. The last game at Kennington Oval witnessed India stunningly pull off a 6-run victory that equalized the series and got everyone on the edge of their seats. But underneath the drama of cricket there was also an appalling major controversy that made everyone sit up and stimulated countless debates across the internet and among specialists. It was the time when Ravindra Jadeja declined Ben Stokes' proposal to conclude the fourth Test in Manchester with a draw.

The incident turned into a massive social media buzz as people went split over whether Jadeja had every right to reject the handshake of the England skipper. A section of people thought it to be unsportsmanlike while others of the opinion that India had all the right to play on. Cricket enthusiasts former cricketers and experts provided varied responses and it appeared that the cricket fraternity couldn't make up its mind. Finally one of cricket's finest voices Sachin Tendulkar chose to put in his two paise and what he uttered made news again.

In Tendulkar's opinion there was nothing wrong whatsoever with Jadeja and Washington Sundar opting to carry on batting in the fourth Test. Actually he was very much in their support and emphasized that they had earned the right to continue after having fought hard under pressure. He reminded everybody that both Jadeja and Sundar had scored centuries and were not playing for individual milestones but doing their work for the team. He made it very clear that if players work that hard they should be allowed to take the game to its complete end and not be made to accept early handshakes for the sake of the opposition.

Tendulkar challenged the rationale of bringing the match to an early end because the result was expected. He stated that it was not India's duty to ensure England bowlers rested for the next match. If Ben Stokes was willing to play part-time bowlers such as Harry Brook it was entirely his own decision and not something India should have been concerned about. Tendulkar insisted that Indian players were not trying to score hundreds to make records but were intent on achieving a good result in a competitive series.

He also posed a right question to Indians criticizing India. When Jadeja and Sundar were coming in to bat, Harry Brook was not bowling and so why should the Indian team do anything out of the ordinary just for the sake of England's strategy. According to Tendulkar, the criticism was uncalled for and was considering the Indian team too harshly who had tried hard in the entire match. He opined that winning or drawing a match must always be done on the field not settled through handshakes ahead of the last ball.

A few retired cricketers maintained that once it was obvious the series would be drawn out there was no use continuing to bat. But Sachin did not agree and evidently supported the choice made by Jadeja Washington Sundar and the Indian team management. He even mentioned other players such as Shubman Gill and Gautam Gambhir and stated that he completely supported all of them for showing their courage and doing what they believed was best for the team.

Tendulkar also noted the astute move made by Sundar in the fifth Test when he changed gears at the appropriate moment. In the fourth game he maintained himself at the crease and kept the England attack at bay and in the subsequent game he picked up the scoring tempo just when the team required it. As per Tendulkar this kind of game sense and decision-making warrants applause not criticism. He loved the way the team coped with varied situations and remained committed to their plan irrespective of what others may have been saying from the outside.

What is so effective about Tendulkar's statement is how he presented the whole scenario without criticising anyone personally. He just said that if England felt the game must be finished early then it was their prerogative to do so. But India were not obliged to go by that line of thinking. He also reminded spectators that cricket was being played on merit and endeavour and not according to pre-understandings between captains. If India felt that they needed to continue batting in order to ensure a draw or prevent defeat then they had every right to.

Tendulkar's reaction not only silenced unwarranted criticism but also shifted the focus back to the very essence of Test cricket which is that of determination patience and playing each moment with purpose. His defence of Sundar and Jadeja sent a loud message that cricketing spirit is not about losing heart early but about showing respect for the contest and leaving everything on the field until the last moment. He supported the players for believing in their instincts and not yielding to pressure from the other side or external quarters.

All this drama over the handshake reveals how ardent cricket fans are and how small instances can create huge controversies. But ultimately when a person like Sachin Tendulkar makes a statement people heed the advice. His words explained the point that in a live and competitive series there is no room for untimely conclusions just for one side's convenience. He demonstrated again why he is not only a mythical player but also a sage voice in the game.

As the dust settles on the Anderson Tendulkar Trophy and the fans reminisce about all the highs and lows of the series this controversy may linger as a strong memory. But through voices like that of Tendulkar's the spotlight will gradually return to the actual achievements the camaraderie of the team and the passion that makes Test cricket so vibrant.