Cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar slams Ben Stokes for delaying England’s declaration during the thrilling Manchester Test. Instead of playing for a win, Stokes chose to bat long after reaching his century. As a result, Gavaskar raised questions about his intentions and even suggested that Shubman Gill should go straight to Stokes and ask him, “Why did you declare so late?”
From the moment England delayed their second innings declaration, cricket fans started buzzing. However, Gavaskar didn’t just react; he took a stand. He believed England missed an opportunity to push for victory by choosing safety over aggression.
During the post-match coverage, Gavaskar voiced his opinion without hesitation. He said if he were Shubman Gill, he would walk up to Ben Stokes and ask, “Why did you take so long to declare?” With this, he didn’t just raise a question; he challenged the mindset of the English captain.
Gavaskar felt England’s cautious approach took the excitement out of the match. Even though they were in a strong position, they declared with only about 40 overs left in the day. Naturally, India didn’t attempt the chase and instead played defensively to earn a draw. Gavaskar didn’t hold back in his criticism of Stokes, suggesting that he was prioritizing personal achievements over the true spirit of the game. According to him, Stokes should have declared earlier and allowed a more competitive finish.
Following Gavaskar’s comments, fans and cricket experts flooded social media with mixed reactions. Some supported Gavaskar’s take, agreeing that England played too safely. Others defended Stokes, arguing that his team’s position justified the delay.
Nevertheless, Gavaskar’s remarks sparked an intense debate. His words carried weight, not just because of his legendary status, but because they came from someone who values competitive cricket.
Moreover, this wasn’t the first time Gavaskar called out modern tactics. Over the years, he has consistently spoken out when he believes players compromise the game’s integrity. This time, he directed his pointed criticism at a captain who’s often celebrated for his bold approach, Ben Stokes.
Although Gavaskar’s advice to Gill sounded direct, it carried a deeper message. He encouraged young players to be bold, curious, and unafraid of asking tough questions even to cricketing giants. In doing so, he emphasized the need for a fearless mindset among the new generation.
Furthermore, Gavaskar’s comments reflected a shift in expectations. He wants young players to stay hungry, stay sharp, and challenge opponents both on and off the field. By encouraging Gill to challenge Stokes, Gavaskar demonstrated true leadership and bravery.
Looking beyond the match result, Gavaskar’s statement sparked a wider conversation about how teams approach Test cricket today. While some captains prefer to play it safe, others believe in risking a result to keep the game alive. Gavaskar falls into the latter group.
If England had declared earlier, the match could have ended in a thrilling win or a dramatic collapse. Either way, the fans would have witnessed an exciting finish. Instead, the game ended in a slow, calculated draw that left many disappointed.
In the end, Sunil Gavaskar slams Ben Stokes not just for a late declaration but for what it represented missed opportunity and a lack of intent. His call for Shubman Gill to confront Stokes wasn’t just about the moment. It was a wake-up call for young players to stay alert, question decisions, and play the game with heart. As this series continues, fans will watch closely not just the cricket but the mindset behind it.
