Indian all-rounder Washington Sundar has opened up for the first time since the infamous handshake in the fourth Test in Manchester. India managed to draw the fourth Test and win the fifth Test to level the series 2-2
The Indian lower-order showed great batting resistance to draw the fourth Test. Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar scored centuries and tired out the England bowlers as they enforced a draw.
With Sundar and Jadeja approaching their respective centuries in the final day of the Test match, Ben Stokes approached Jadeja for a handshake, indicating his desire to end the match in a draw. However, with both batters approaching personal milestones, Jadeja denied a handshake, willing their desire to carry on batting.
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That's How Sport Is - Washington Sundar On Handskake Controversy
This irked Stokes and the rest of the England players, leading to a verbal exchange between Jadeja and the England players. Sundar saw everything unfold from close quarters and had a very good view of the entire incident.
"I mean, it just happens in any sport, doesn't it? We've seen a lot of such things happen, not just in cricket, but in any sport. I mean, that's how sport is. It brings out a lot. I think it was just an experience for all of us, honestly," Sundar told Wisden.
The all-rounder further said that the incident fired up the rest of the Indian players and played a key role behind the team managing to end the Test match in a draw.
"One hundred per cent. You ask this to any player - that's exactly what you would hear. Especially in Test cricket, you want to be challenged because that's exactly what you expect every single day. And when the situation gets tough, the only thing that will help you get over it and come out successful is being really tough in your head," he added.
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Sundar Ended The Series With 284 Runs, 7 Wickets
Washington Sundar ended the series by scoring 284 runs in four Tests and also took seven wickets in the series. Indian skipper Shubman Gill scored 754 runs in the series and in his first Test series as captain, ended it 2-2 with wins at Edgbaston and Oval. In the process, India pipped England in the WTC 2025-27 points table.
