NEW DELHI: Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, and Shubman Gill struck brilliant centuries as India battled their way to a morale-boosting draw in the fourth Test on Sunday. Starting their second innings 311 runs behind, India defied the odds on a fifth-day pitch, thanks to Gill (103), KL Rahul (90), Jadeja (107*), and Washington (101*), who all stood tall with the bat.With the series now standing at 2-1 in England’s favour, the fifth and final Test will be played at The Oval in London from July 31.While India’s gritty batting display took centre stage, the match wasn’t short on drama—especially the series of ‘handshake’ incidents that stirred controversy on the final day.THE HANDSHAKE OFFER AND REFUSALIn the final hour of play, England skipper Ben Stokes offered a handshake, effectively suggesting the match be called a draw.Indian batters Ravindra Jadeja (on 89) and Washington Sundar (on 80) declined the offer.The refusal frustrated Stokes and several England players.
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ENGLAND’S REACTIONStokes approached the umpire with the suggestion, but Jadeja and Sundar, both nearing centuries, chose to continue batting.Moments later, stump mics caught a verbal exchange between Harry Brook, Zak Crawley, and Jadeja.Crawley and Ben Duckett were seen questioning India’s intent to play on.Stokes sarcastically asked Jadeja, “Do you want to score a hundred against Harry Brook?”Jadeja calmly responded, “I can’t do anything.”INDIA PUSH ON – JADEJA HITS BACKDespite the remarks, Jadeja stayed composed and continued batting with a smile.In what seemed like a mark of protest, Stokes handed the ball to Harry Brook.Jadeja responded by smashing Brook for a six to reach his third Test century.
WASHINGTON JOINS THE PARTYWashington Sundar soon followed, bringing up his maiden Test hundred.Their centuries capped off a remarkable comeback and helped India draw the Test.POST-MATCHDespite the earlier tension, Stokes eventually shook hands with both Jadeja and Sundar after the match ended in a draw.GILL EXPLAINSShubman Gill later revealed that the decision to bat on came from Jadeja and Sundar themselves.“They batted brilliantly and were in their 90s. We felt they deserved their hundreds,” said Gill.He added, “Every match going till the last session on the last day. So many learnings. Each Test teaches you something new.”
