Having conceded a 311-run lead in the first innings, India were struggling at 0-2 in the second, but they fought back with two wicketless sessions courtesy of a resolute partnership between KL Rahul and Shubman Gill. It set the stage for a defensive final day, but the visitors looked in trouble when the two fell before lunch on day five.
However, Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar took charge and ensured there were no further hiccups. With both batters nearing hundreds and a draw all but confirmed, England captain Stokes approached the pair to offer an early end to the game, which they refused.
Speaking on Wisden's Cricket Weekly podcast, former England batter Mark Butcher reflected on the incident, stating that the goal of the game had already been achieved at that point: "Having achieved the goal of drawing the game, which is the goal, England were perfectly entitled to say, 'You know what, congrats, well done, you were too good for us to force the victory, we're done, let's call it a day.'