The inaugural Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy ended in thrilling fashion with India edging England in the final Test, but batting legend Sunil Gavaskar has questioned why the two cricketing greats the series is named after were absent from the presentation ceremony.
Legends Missing at the Finale
Gavaskar wrote in his Sportstar column that Sachin Tendulkar and James Anderson, both believed to be in England at the time, should have been present to hand over the trophy after the five-Test series finished 2-2.
He likened the situation to the earlier Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, where only Allan Border presented the award because the home side had won. “Was it that they simply weren’t invited?” Gavaskar asked, noting the disappointment for fans and players alike.
Final Test Drama
India sealed the fifth Test at The Oval by just six runs. Chasing 374, England appeared set for victory after hundreds from Joe Root and Harry Brook, but collapsed from 301 for 3 to 367 all out. Mohammed Siraj’s five-wicket haul and Prasidh Krishna’s morning burst turned the match, despite England needing only 35 runs with four wickets in hand.
Pataudi Medal Controversy
Gavaskar also criticised the ECB’s decision to award the newly created Pataudi Medal to the captains rather than the Player of the Series. With the series drawn, both Shubman Gill and Ben Stokes received the medal, though Gavaskar argued it should go to the standout performer.
He noted that no member of the Pataudi family was present, calling the arrangement “foolish” given the original Pataudi Trophy’s retirement. Gill, who scored 754 runs in his first series as captain, was named India’s Player of the Series, while Harry Brook claimed England’s honour.
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