Former India cricketer-turned-commentator Sanjay Manjrekar labelled England Test captain Ben Stokes a 'spoilt kid' for the way he reacted after Ravindra Jadeja refused his handshake for a draw as he and Washington Sundar were nearing their respective centuries. Stokes offered to call it a draw as he and his frontline bowlers were tired out. He did not want to risk anyone getting injured and when Jadeja refused the handshake, he was left fuming and lashed out at the veteran India all-rounder. Then, he handed the ball to Harry Brook who bowled loose deliveries against Indian duo.
The frustration was visible after Jadeja and Sundar reached their respective milestones and called it a draw. He let it known in the post-match presentation and post-match press conference. His behaviour did not sit well with Manjrekar.
"One thing is being unhappy that the batters haven't walked off and that he has to bowl his overworked main bowlers. But throwing lollipops and showing a bit of grumpiness - that was Ben Stokes behaving like a spoilt kid," Manjrekar told JioHotstar.
"I can understand him being surprised that India wanted to continue. 'If you wanted to get a hundred, why didn't you get it against the main bowlers?' - that was his grievance. But everything won't always go your way. He should have handled it better.
"Ben Stokes, the hero and the champion that I admire, on that occasion behaved like a spoilt kid," he added.
Manjrekar lauds Jadeja's temperament
While Stokes shook hands with Jadeja and Sundar immediately after the draw. Later, he refused to ackowledge Jadeja. He talked to Stokes as they walked off the ground. Manjrekar hailed Jadeja for remaining calm throughout the incident.
"After the match, Jadeja went to shake hands with Ben Stokes. Ben was still furious. During the earlier exchange, Jadeja handled it very well - he was smiling. But when Stokes didn't shake hands, that's when Jadeja lost his cool. Until then, he had kept his composure," Manjrekar said.
As India held England to a draw, the hosts have a chance to level the series at Kennington Oval, London. There is a quick turnaround for the final Test which commences on July 31.