The Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy’s inaugural edition between India and England has already been hailed as a modern Test cricket classic, but the drama hasn’t been confined to the field. As the dust settles on a five-match series that saw both teams locked in fierce battle, the narrative has taken a sharp turn toward controversy and celebration, with legendary performances, off-field disputes, and a touch of British humor swirling around the historic contest.
On August 20, 2025, Sunil Gavaskar, one of India’s most respected cricketing voices, did not mince words when he called out the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) for what he deemed a blatant lack of respect for the game’s greatest icons. Gavaskar’s ire was triggered by the absence of Sachin Tendulkar and James Anderson—names etched in cricketing folklore—from the trophy presentation ceremony. According to Gavaskar, this oversight by the ECB was more than a simple misstep; it was an affront to the spirit and tradition that the English often claim to uphold. As Gavaskar put it, the ECB’s handling of the occasion left the “spirit of the game missing in action.”
The controversy didn’t end there. Gavaskar also zeroed in on the replacement of the historic Pataudi Trophy with what he described as a “flawed” medal, arguing that it failed to honor the legacy of cricket’s past. The Pataudi Trophy, long a symbol of the storied rivalry between India and England, was swapped for a new medal in the Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy’s debut, a move that Gavaskar labeled a poor substitute. For many traditionalists, this change struck a nerve, further fueling the debate over how cricket’s heritage should be preserved and celebrated.
But while the off-field drama simmered, the cricket on display was nothing short of exhilarating. The series, played across England’s famed grounds, saw the emergence of new heroes and the reaffirmation of old legends. None shone brighter than Joe Root, whose batting masterclass on Day 4 of the fifth and final Test at The Oval left fans and pundits alike in awe. Root, at 34, delivered his 39th Test hundred off 137 balls—a feat that further cemented his status among the game’s all-time greats. The crowd’s chants of “Rooooooot” echoed around the ground as he tucked a delivery to long leg, scampering back for two and raising his bat in a poignant tribute to Graham Thorpe, a moment made even more special with his proud parents watching from the stands.
Root’s innings was not just another statistical milestone. It was a display of grit and composure under immense pressure, with England chasing a daunting 374 to clinch the series 3-1. His partnership with Harry Brook, who had earlier blazed his way to a quickfire 111, was pivotal in keeping England’s hopes alive. Root’s 105-run knock, eventually ended by India’s Prasidh Krishna on the final ball of the 73rd over, was a masterclass in rotating strike and finding the gaps. In reaching his century, Root equaled Sunil Gavaskar’s record of 13 Test hundreds against a single opponent—India—trailing only Don Bradman’s legendary 19 against England. This achievement also nudged him past Kumar Sangakkara on the all-time Test centuries list, placing him fourth behind only Sachin Tendulkar, Jacques Kallis, and Ricky Ponting.
Root’s consistency has been nothing short of phenomenal. With this innings, he became the first player to cross 6,000 runs in World Test Championship (WTC) history, leading the charts with 21 centuries and 23 fifties in just 69 WTC Tests. As the statistics rolled in, it became clear that Root’s legacy is not just defined by numbers but by his ability to deliver in the game’s most pressure-packed moments—a quality that sets the very best apart.
While England’s pursuit of 374 looked promising thanks to Root’s heroics, the match’s outcome remained on a knife-edge as the series drew to a close. The tension was palpable, and the Oval crowd, as well as millions watching worldwide, sensed they were witnessing cricketing history in the making.
Yet, the intensity of the contest extended beyond the boundary ropes. The demeanor of India’s head coach, Gautam Gambhir, became an unlikely talking point throughout the series. Known for his steely focus, Gambhir’s stoic presence on the sidelines caught the attention of UK fans, who, in a humorous twist, wrote letters and tweeted complaints to broadcasters about his refusal to crack a smile. Dinesh Karthik, former India wicketkeeper-batter and now a broadcaster, revealed this lighthearted grievance during a chat with Trent Rockets coach Andy Flower. According to Karthik, “All of the UK has complained and tweeted about it, written to SKY Sports... Three people over the summer, they haven't found a way to get them to smile... One is Gautam Gambhir, two is Nasser Hussain in the commentary box and the third person is you.”
Andy Flower, a familiar face in both England and India’s cricketing circles, responded with a chuckle, “DK, people misunderstand me completely, you know that for sure.” The exchange, which also drew laughter from former England pacer Dominic Cork, offered fans a rare glimpse into the personalities behind the coaching roles. While Gambhir’s serious expression became a running joke, those close to the Indian camp know that his lighter side often emerges away from the cameras.
Gambhir’s stern approach was perhaps understandable, given the pressure he faced after India’s back-to-back Test series losses to New Zealand at home and Australia away. However, under his guidance and with new captain Shubman Gill at the helm, a relatively inexperienced Indian side managed to draw the five-match series 2-2 against England, restoring pride and providing hope for the future.
As the Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy’s first edition concluded, the series left cricket fans with plenty to ponder. From Root’s record-breaking feats to Gavaskar’s pointed criticism of the ECB, and the playful banter about unsmiling coaches, this was a contest that delivered on every level—sporting excellence, controversy, and a dash of humor.
With the trophy’s legacy already under scrutiny and the performances of players like Joe Root rewriting the record books, the India-England rivalry looks set to remain one of cricket’s most compelling stories. As the teams look ahead to future battles, the echoes of this dramatic summer will linger, reminding everyone just how much is at stake when two giants of the game collide.
