South African bowling legend Dale Steyn has found himself in some heat with fans after he chastised Indian batters Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar for playing for free milestones and refusing to shake Ben Stokes' hand after the recent fourth Test between England and India in Manchester.
India got bowled out after scoring 358 in the first innings after losing the toss and being given the opportunity to bat first. Despite having a damaged toe, Rishabh Pant scored a courageous 54, but Sai Sudharsan scored the best at 61. Ben Stokes took five wickets and was the standout with the ball.
England was at its most dominant in the second innings. They batted for more than two days, scoring 669 runs. Joe Root led the way with 150 runs, while Ben Stokes hammered 141 for his first century of the series. They gained a 311-run lead as a result.
Before KL Rahul and Shubman Gill put on a 188-run partnership, India was suffering at 0/2 in the third innings' opening over. Gill scored 103, his fourth century of the series, while Rahul went out for 90. Then, Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja scored unbeaten centuries and helped India draw the Test match.
The incident has since triggered many debates on social media. A famous one broke between former South Africa pacer Dale Steyn and current spinner Tabraiz Shamsi.
"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? The offer was made. The offer was rejected, and they were fully entitled to make their choice. They got their 100s, which they worked hard for. Game over," Shamsi wrote on X.
The post prompted a furious response from Steyn, who emphasized that there was no need to continue to bat because the match's goal (a draw) had been reached.
"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're safe and now say, No, we'd prefer some free milestones... although within the rules, it just seems a little, well, odd. That said, they did bat well, and maybe with the last hour approaching, they should have been more aggressive in reaching those milestones; at least then, we could all agree no team tried to outdo the other in this weird situation," Steyn replied.
The South African spinner, however, wasn't content and explained the logic behind his stance further.
"That's true Ledge, but I just think both sides have a right to make their own decision. Just because the option for the draw was given doesn't mean the other team has to take it. If you want to call the shots about how long I can bat...get me out! At least that's how I see it," Shamsi wrote in the second tweet.
"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 an hour left. The game was Eng going for a win, India going for a draw, and time says it's pointless to play on. Neither team will win/lose, so handshakes and walk-offs. That final hour isn't reserved for personal goals. As they say, there's no I in team. That said, if it were you and me batting on 90 each, it would take a tank to pull us off that field! Haha," Steyn responded.
One of the fans also called Steyn's tweet an act of 'licking English boots.' But the great South Africa gave a strong response.
