Dale Steyn has a different viewpoint from others when it comes to Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar not accepting Ben Stokes’ offer to end the fourth Test early. While former England and Indian players have supported the two all-rounders for giving importance to their centuries, Steyn slammed them.

He supported Stokes and questioned the logic behind Jadeja and Sundar chasing personal glory. They added 203 runs to force a draw and keep the series alive. Indian batters were mocked by England for staying too long before Harry Brook was given the ball. Jadeja and Sundar completed the tons, and the proceedings were called off.

South Africa bowler Tabraiz Shams wrote in favour of the Indian players.

“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,” he wrote on X.

Although Steyn agreed that the two Indian players were within their rights to amass centuries, he mentioned that they should have batted aggressively for their 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 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… although within the rules, 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 out do the other in this weird situation,” Steyn tweeted in response to Shamsi’s post.

The final Test match of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy will start on Thursday at The Oval. England are leading 2-1 against India.