Team India pulled off a sensational draw in the fourth Test between England and India at Old Trafford, but final-day drama sparked widespread discussion across the cricketing fraternity. Indian batter Ravindra Jadeja notably denied a handshake offered by England Captain Ben Stokes, which was intended to mark the end of the match. At the time, both Indian batters were nearing their centuries, adding further intrigue to the moment.
Dale Steyn backs Ben Stokes’ decision to offer early draw
South African legend Dale Steyn recently shared his views in support of Stokes’ action on Day 5 of the fourth Test. Replying to a tweet by fellow Proteas spinner Tabraiz Shamsi, who said India had every right to reject the draw offer, secured well-earned centuries, and finished the match on their own terms, in contrast Steyn wrote “Shamo this onion has many layers to it, and each one will make someone cry. The only issue I see here is the one thing people aren’t realizing, the batters weren’t playing for 100s, they were batting for a DRAW. That was the goal. Draw the game. Once that was accomplished, and a result was out of the question a handshake was offered, that’s the gentlemanly thing to do right? It’s not then the time to realize they safe and now say no we’d prefer some free milestones,”
Shamo this onion has many layers to it, and each one will make someone cry. The only issue I see here is the one thing people aren’t realizing, the batters weren’t playing for 100s, they were batting for a DRAW. That was the goal. Draw the game. Once that was accomplished, and a…
— Dale Steyn (@DaleSteyn62) July 28, 2025
Well I don’t think any one individual calls the shots for how long someone can bat, it’s just the rule that teams can shake with a hour left.
The game was Eng going for a win, India going for a draw, time says it’s pointless to play on, neither TEAM will win/lose so handshakes…— Dale Steyn (@DaleSteyn62) July 28, 2025
Well I’ll only be on 90 if I bat in a playstation game… even if im on 9 not out no one is pulling me off because in my head im so close to my 50
— Tabraiz Shamsi (@shamsi90) July 28, 2025
Steyn also stressed on team goals over personal milestones
Steyn further wrote that no individual dictates batting duration, noting teams can agree to draw early. He explained the match had reached a clear stalemate, England pushing for a win, India securing a draw, justifying the handshake. Steyn stressed team goals over personal milestones but joked that if he and Shamsi were on 90, they’d refuse to leave. Steyn, one of the most loved foreign cricketers in India, faced backlash on social media after supporting Stokes’ early draw offer. Fans accused Steyn of hypocrisy, pointing out a perceived double standard. Many expressed disappointment, saying his comments clashed with the spirit he once embodied on the field.
Also READ: Dale Steyn defends Ben Stokes; criticizes Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar for obsession with milestones
Here’s how fans reacted:
Dale Steyn talking crap a handsake is not gentlemen its a stupidity what stokes did as a batter if you are around 80 runs and just 20 runs away no idiot will give handsake and miss his hundred @DaleSteyn62
— Suraj Raheja (@_CricketFreak_) July 29, 2025
Imagine a situation where Dale Steyn Has got 9 wickets in an innings and the opposition is leading by 100 runs and its the last hour of play.
Would Dale Steyn want his captain to handshake?
— VishVijay (@vishvijay) July 29, 2025
Didn’t expect something as lame as this from a legend like Dale Steyn! #INDvsENG #Jadeja #WashingtonSundar #Stokes https://t.co/d5bJgrzct5
— Dr Yash Kashikar (@yash_kashikar) July 29, 2025
Indian batters should have played the remaining 1 hour also just to prove, to Dale Steyn, that milestones don’t matter.
— Vipul Shah (@vips1031) July 29, 2025
Someone take away Internet from Dale steyn
— VibeySeagull (@Vibeyseagull) July 29, 2025
when wins, batting for personal milestones is an amazing achievement. When Indians grind it out under pressure and reach milestones, suddenly it’s odd & not gentlemanly? Dale Steyn’s cricket ethics change depending on the flag. The onion isn’t layered, it’s rotten. https://t.co/gTQWjECyXy pic.twitter.com/DF3U0vvKw7
— Cricket for her (@coverdrivetoher) July 29, 2025
How easy is it to target #TeamIndia?
All you have to do is justify every wrong done by England.
What a fall for a legend like Dale.
Imagine had it been reversed? I can bet 1000% same Mr. Dale Steyn would be defending English for wanting to bat for .
Really sad to read this https://t.co/6lFJaWFxpH
— Trivedi (@Tri_man79) July 29, 2025
Dale Steyn just ruined all respect he had earned with this garbage tweet. free milestones?? Are you delusional or just being an english boot licker? India should have actually made them bowl all 15 overs…whining doesn’t make you right! What an idiotic take from you. Poor
— Sal (@SW1313) July 29, 2025
Dale steyn as a player >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Dale Steyn on twitter. https://t.co/Gjl7J1MXT1
— Shubh Gupta (@ShubhGupta_SG16) July 28, 2025
Free milestones? It’s like saying that 130 wickets of tailenders taken by the great dale steyn are free wickets and he didn’t toil hard while top order and middle order batters were batting https://t.co/vvs6ddtB1r
— thatsportsguy (@mayurkadam65) July 28, 2025
Also READ: Gautam Gambhir questions England’s sportsmanship in Ben Stokes’ handshake controversy on Day 5 of Manchester Test
