The keyword personal milestones has triggered a heated debate in the cricketing world. Former South African pacer Dale Steyn criticized Indian all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar for allegedly putting their personal goals ahead of the game’s spirit during the recently drawn fourth Test between India and England.
Controversy in a Deadlock
The match was meandering toward an inevitable draw when England captain Ben Stokes offered a handshake to call it off early. However, India declined. Instead, Jadeja and Sundar chose to stay on the pitch, each eyeing a century. They eventually reached the personal milestones, and only then did the teams agree to end the match.
This decision sparked mixed reactions. Some praised the duo’s determination, while others, including Steyn, questioned their intent and timing.
Mixed Reactions from the Cricketing Fraternity
South African spinner Tabraiz Shamsi defended the Indian players. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he argued that they had every right to refuse the draw and continue batting.
“Why is there such a big deal being made about the Indians choosing not to accept the offer to end the game in a draw immediately?” he wrote. “They got their 100s which they worked hard for. Game over.”
Steyn Responds with Sharp Criticism
But Dale Steyn had a very different take. Responding to Shamsi, he emphasized that the situation went beyond rule books and entered the realm of sportsmanship.
“Shamo, this onion has many layers to it, and each one will make someone cry,” Steyn remarked. “The only issue I see here is that people aren’t realizing — the batters weren’t playing for 100s, they were batting for a DRAW. That was the goal.”
He argued that once the draw was secured, the appropriate and respectful action would have been to shake hands and walk off.
“It’s not then the time to realize they’re safe and say, ‘No, we’d prefer some free milestones,’” Steyn wrote. “Although within the rules, it just seems a little… well, odd.”
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“Accelerate If You Want Milestones”
While Steyn acknowledged that both Jadeja and Sundar played solid innings, he believed their decision to delay the draw just to reach individual hundreds was questionable. According to him, if centuries were the goal, they should have batted with more urgency earlier.
“At least then, we could all agree no team tried to outdo the other in this weird situation,” he added.
Ethical Dilemma or Strategic Decision?
The incident has split fans and experts alike. Supporters of Jadeja and Sundar argue that earning a century in Test cricket is a significant achievement and within the rules. Critics counter that cricket’s charm lies in its unwritten codes — where gestures and timing reflect deeper respect for the game.
Ben Stokes’ gesture to offer a draw was seen as a nod to sportsmanship. The refusal, followed by the pursuit of personal scores, struck many as opportunistic — even if technically legal.
Context Matters, Say Analysts
Some analysts have noted that the timing of the decision mattered. With the outcome of the match no longer in doubt, extending play solely for personal records was interpreted by some as unnecessary. Others saw it as part of the modern professional era where personal stats carry weight for selections, endorsements, and legacy.
The debate also underlines how the lines between team interest, individual ambition, and sportsmanship can blur in high-stakes cricket.
A Moment That Will Be Remembered
In the end, both Jadeja and Sundar walked off with centuries to their names. Yet, the manner in which they achieved them has stirred a broader discussion on priorities in modern cricket. Was it strategic patience, or a move that undercut the game’s gentlemanly traditions?
As Steyn pointed out, the issue may not lie in the rules but in how players choose to interpret the spirit that surrounds them.
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