Why should India be “nice to them”? Geoff Boycott rips into “gobby” England after snubbed handshake saga

Geoff Boycott Blasts England’s “Gobby” Attitude Amid Handshake Snub

Former England opener and pundit Sir Geoff Boycott didn’t hold back in his cutting critique following a recent controversy during the England vs India Test series. At the centre of the drama was a snubbed handshake incident that has now drawn his withering commentary.

The Incident That Sparked Controversy

• During the final day of the Manchester Test, England captain Ben Stokes reportedly offered India a draw with an hour before scheduled close of play. India declined. Shortly thereafter, a handshake was allegedly snubbed, escalating tensions among the teams and spectators
• Boycott’s reaction was scathing—labelling England as “gobby,” implying they talk excessively yet back it up with little substance.

Boycott’s Take—Why India Doesn’t Owe Courtesy

• Boycott questioned the logic: “Why should India be nice to them?” His remarks aimed at England’s conduct—suggesting India’s restraint had limits in the face of what he sees as pompous and unearned bravado
• He stressed that teams must earn respect on the field, not merely voice ambitions or theatrics.

His Broader Criticism of Bazball and England’s Strategy

• Earlier this year, Boycott was vocal in his denunciation of England’s Bazball philosophy—a high-risk aggressive batting approach. Calling it “reckless,” he warned it cost England several Test matches, urging the team to adopt common sense instead
• He pointed out England’s chronic failure to qualify for World Test Championship finals—despite hosting the last three—calling it an embarrassment and lamenting their unwillingness to learn from defeats
• Boycott routinely emphasises that words must be matched with deeds, admonishing players who “talk big” but don’t perform—as he did in the Rajkot Test, particularly targeting Ben Duckett’s post-innings boasts

What Boycott Is Calling For

1. Humility and Cricket Intelligence
   According to Boycott, England must temper flair with discipline and respect the opposition, not expect entitlement in sportsmanship.
2. Smarter Play, Not Just Entertainment
   He believes winning matters more than aggressive entertainment and criticises England’s “one‑trick‑pony” approach of Bazball or bust
3. Responsibility from the Dressing Room
   Leadership—from both coach and skipper—must hold players accountable for both conduct and performance.

Why His Opinion Matters

• Boycott is famed for his uncompromising honesty—never one to mince words. His history of calling out both England players and strategy lends weight to his position.
• As a former opener with over 8,000 Test runs and a decorated career, Boycott’s criticism demands attention rather than being dismissed as mere punditry

Final Take: A Question, Not Just a Critique

There’s a rhetorical depth to Boycott’s question—why should India extend niceties if England hasn’t earned them? It poses a broader principle: sportsmanship is reciprocal. Respect is tied to conduct—both verbal and substantive—on the pitch.

This video highlight captures Boycott excoriating England’s approach—symbolic of his broader frustration with their recent self-assured posturing and perceived lack of substance.