Sundar on Manchester handshake row fueling Series Draw
India drew the Test series 2-2 against England in Shubman Gill first assignment as captain. It became one of the most memorable series in Indian cricket history, especially after the visitors clinched the final match by just 6 runs. Washington Sundar, a key contributor with bat and ball, has now revealed that the handshake controversy in Manchester played a huge role in motivating the team.
In an interview with Wisden, Sundar admitted the incident had a direct impact.
“One hundred per cent (the handshake motivated us to win the final Test). You ask this of 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,” Sundar said.
The Manchester Handshake Controversy
In the fourth Test, England piled up 669 in the second innings, taking a commanding 311-run lead after India’s 358. Chasing a massive target, India lost two wickets without scoring in the first over. While defeat seemed inevitable, Shubman Gill’s 101 and KL Rahul 93 revived hopes.
Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja then built an unbeaten 203-run partnership, both scoring centuries to force a draw.
When Jadeja was in the 90s and Sundar in the 80s, England captain Ben Stokes offered a handshake to call off the game. Both Indians refused, determined to complete their hundreds. This led to visible irritation among England players, who reportedly exchanged words with the pair, sparking criticism from fans and pundits.
Fuel for a Historic Victory
The heated moment left the Indian dressing room fired up. Sundar confirmed that the verbal exchanges and the perceived disrespect gave the team extra determination. The result was a dramatic 6-run win in the next Test, sealing a series draw that will be remembered for decades.
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