The Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025: A look beyond the scoreboard

The recently concluded Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy between India and England in the summer of 2025 was more than just another chapter in the long rivalry between two of cricket’s greatest Test-playing nations. It wasn’t about who won the toss, who scored how many runs on a given day, or which bowler bagged a five-wicket haul in a particular innings. Instead, this was a series that showcased resilience, revealed vulnerabilities, and highlighted the delicate balance between tradition and transition that both teams are grappling with in this World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.

For India, the 2–2 result was as much a testament to their adaptability as it was a signal of the rebuilding phase they find themselves in. And for England, the series was another reminder of how Bazball can sometimes blaze like wildfire and at other times leave them burnt.

But beyond the scorecards, what does this series really tell us? And what does it mean for the future of Indian Test cricket?

A New Era of Leadership: Shubman Gill’s Coming of Age

India entered this series with a sense of anticipation. For the first time in nearly a decade, their Test team was led not by a Kohli, a Rahane, or a Rohit, but by Shubman Gill, a 25-year-old whose batting elegance had already made him the poster boy of the next generation. Gill’s appointment as captain was not just about transition, it was about sending a message: the Indian Test side was no longer merely inheriting the past, it was beginning to shape its own identity.

And Gill delivered. With 754 runs across the series, including a majestic double century at Edgbaston, he batted with the poise of a veteran but the fearlessness of youth. His innings weren’t just numbers. They were psychological blows to England, particularly when he dug in against Anderson and Tongue under overcast skies.

More importantly, his leadership was calm, calculated, and inclusive. Gill didn’t react in extremes; he allowed bowlers the freedom to set their fields, backed young players even after failures, and exuded quiet confidence. In many ways, his captaincy signaled that India was prepared for a post-Kohli, post-Rohit future, built not on aggression alone but on composure and adaptability.

Siraj, Prasidh, and the Art of Bowling Under Pressure

If Gill was the face of batting resilience, Mohammed Siraj was the heartbeat of India’s bowling attack. With 23 wickets, Siraj not only finished as the leading wicket-taker of the series but also cemented his role as India’s go-to strike bowler overseas. His ability to swing the ball late, combined with the stamina to bowl long spells, often gave India breakthroughs just when England seemed to be running away with the game.

But the real fairy-tale story came at The Oval, in the final Test, when Prasidh Krishna turned what looked like a lost cause into a famous six-run win. His eight wickets in the match, including a decisive burst in the second innings, didn’t just tilt the game but also salvaged India’s WTC campaign. It was the kind of performance that careers are built on, the kind selectors point to when making tough calls for future tours.

The bowling unit’s story was not one of domination throughout the series but of impact in moments that mattered most. It was a reminder that in Test cricket, momentum often hinges not on entire sessions but on passages of play where one bowler, one spell, or even one delivery changes everything.

England’s Fighting Spirit – Woakes and the Culture of Grit

While India’s narrative was one of transition, England’s was of defiance. Nothing epitomized this more than Chris Woakes walking out to bat with a dislocated shoulder in the final Test. This was no less than the equally heroic display by Rishabh Pant in the previous Test, when he came out to bat with a broken foot.

As the crowd cheered for Woakes, commentators gasped, and social media lit up. He didn’t win England the match, but in that single act, Woakes became the face of what makes Test cricket timeless, with a heroic willingness to endure pain for the team and the game.

Bazball, for all its detractors, ensured England never died wondering. Some of their collapses were spectacular, but so were their counterattacks. What England showed India (and indeed the world) is that Test cricket’s charm lies in its unpredictability. One side may appear in control, but two quick wickets or one reckless hour can flip the script.

Turning Points That Defined the Series

Instead of narrating every match, let us reflect on the crucial junctures where the series swung:

• Gill’s 269 at Edgbaston: A captain’s knock that turned a precarious start into a statement innings, demoralizing England’s bowlers.

• Siraj’s spell at Headingley: Breaking the opening partnership on the second morning set the tone for India’s fightback.

• Lower-order resistance at The Oval: Karun Nair’s gritty unbeaten 52 and Washington Sundar’s stubborn defence stretched India’s total just enough for Prasidh to have a target to defend.

• Prasidh Krishna’s 4/24 in the fourth innings at The Oval: The single biggest turning point of the series, sealing a famous victory by six runs.

Each of these moments reminded us that while Bazball thrives on bursts of aggression, India’s brand of resilience and patience can be equally decisive.

The Sai vs Karun Question

Every Test series throws up selection debates, and this one was no different. For India, two names became the subject of heated discussions: Sai Sudharsan and Karun Nair.

Karun Nair: The Veteran’s Second Life

Karun, recalled after nearly a decade in the wilderness, had moments of promise but largely failed to convert starts. His technique against the short ball was repeatedly exposed, and his inability to build on 20s and 30s hurt India at crucial junctures. The lone exception came at The Oval, where his unbeaten 52 gave India a chance. But in international cricket, especially in a packed middle-order race, one innings rarely outweighs six failures.

Sai Sudharsan: The Future Prospect

Sai Sudharsan’s debut wasn’t spectacular, but it was marked by maturity. Scores of 0 and 30 may not stand out, yet his composure, defensive solidity, and willingness to graft were evident. He didn’t look out of place against Anderson or Woakes. That matters. For a 23-year-old, selectors will weigh potential more heavily than immediate returns.

A Broader Bench: Iyer, Easwaran, and Sarfaraz

• Shreyas Iyer, though not in the current Test setup, brings white-ball pedigree but still has technical frailties in red-ball cricket.

• Abhimanyu Easwaran has long been a domestic run-machine and is a steady backup option, though the selectors seem hesitant to give him a long rope.

• Sarfaraz Khan, by contrast, grabbed his opportunity with both hands. His debut innings of 62 and 68* showed intent, confidence, and a refusal to be bogged down. He looked like a player ready for the rigors of Test cricket.

Assessment: Karun’s recall looks more like a stopgap than a long-term solution. Sai and Sarfaraz, on the other hand, represent the future. Easwaran is reliable but unspectacular, while Iyer’s Test credentials remain doubtful until proven.

Impact on the WTC Cycle

The 2–2 draw keeps India alive in the 2025–27 WTC cycle, but the bigger picture is about building a side that can consistently challenge away from home. Here are the key takeaways:

1. Youth at the Core: With Gill, Sai, Sarfaraz, and Prasidh, India has a young nucleus. Their development will define India’s chances in the next two years.

2. Bowling Depth Matters: Injuries to Bumrah or Shami will no longer cripple India if Siraj and Prasidh continue to mature as spearheads.

3. Middle-Order Uncertainty: Until a stable No. 3 and No. 5 are locked in, India will remain vulnerable in seaming conditions. This is where selectors must choose between investing in youth (Sai, Sarfaraz) or leaning on experience (Karun, Iyer).

4. Discipline and Points Penalties: The WTC’s strict over-rate and conduct penalties nearly cost India valuable points in this series. Under Gill, managing game tempo will be as important as winning sessions.

Key takeaways from the series

This series was not just about India or England - it was about the state of Test cricket itself.

• Viewership Spike: Free-to-air broadcasts and viral clips of Woakes batting with one arm and Prasidh’s final burst brought back a sense of romance around Tests.

• Narrative Power: Stories of grit, comeback, and heartbreak resonated far more than any franchise T20 result this year.

• India’s Role: As the biggest market for cricket, India’s commitment to backing youth in Tests, rather than resting stars exclusively for T20Is, will shape how global fans perceive the longest format.

This was not a dead rubber series. It was a live demonstration that Test cricket, when played with intent and storylines, remains unmatched in drama and depth.

The final word

At the end of five gripping Tests, the scoreboard read 2–2. But the real result lies elsewhere:

• Gill emerged not just as a captain but as a leader of a new era.

• Siraj and Prasidh established India’s bowling future.

• Karun Nair’s career hangs in the balance, while Sai Sudharsan and Sarfaraz Khan look poised to inherit the mantle.

• The WTC cycle remains wide open, but India has the raw material to dominate if selections are bold and consistent.

Test cricket is often accused of being too slow for modern tastes, but this series proved the opposite: that no other format can stretch human emotion, resilience, and strategy across five days in such epic proportions. For India, the draw wasn’t a disappointment. It was a stepping stone. The seeds of the future have been sown. And if nurtured well, they could define Indian cricket’s next golden decade.

Jai Ho!

High-handed Ben Stokes shown his rightful place

Dear Ben Stokes, 

After making such a stellar contribution with bat and ball in the fourth Test at Manchester, you served a very important lesson to everyone: One could be his country's captain, one could have performed with the most impressive numbers in batting as well as bowling. But if your conduct reeks of condescension and high-handedness, it lends a very avoidable yet glaring blemish in your otherwise laudable performance during the Test.

I am not here to summarize the scorecard or even the match. Everyone knows the result and everyone would agree that the Indian team earned a very creditable draw, easily coming out of Day 5 as the happier of the two sides.

The critics of Test cricket often argue that it might not be exciting because even after 5 long days of cricket, there might be a draw, which means neither team won. But so what? Isn't life also like that at times? At times, the scales of which of the two sparring opponents has the upper hand are not always unequivocally tilted toward any one specific way. 

Denying a win to your opponent, after what looked like a done-and-dusted content to even the most ardent fans, can be extremely satisfying. Even as good as (if not better than) a win. Just look back at what Ashwin, and Hanuma Vihari did at Sydney in 2021. Or what Gautam Gambhir achieved at Napier in 2009. This was just as much of a great Test match where a draw was achieved by batting to save the match against all odds and when everything seemed like a foregone conclusion and lost long, long ago.

Anyway, Mr. Stokes, I digress. The point is that after another such thrilling encounter between two highly competitive sides, when a draw was clearly on the cards, why did you have to resort to an attitude that does not behove an international cricketer, let alone the captain of his team?

Nobody is contesting the fact that why did you offer a draw? Just as that's very much within the rules, so is the fact that the Indian players were similarly entitled to exercise their choice. How can this everyone-needs-to-bow-down-and-comply-with-my-choice attitude be entertained by any fair person?

"So you want to get your hundred batting against Book?"

No, Jadeja didn't say so, Mr. Stokes. Bring on Carse, Dawson, Archers, Woakes, and you yourself - who's stopping you? Since when did the fact that you didn't want to risk your main bowlers getting injured become your opponent (India's) problems? 

In fact, it was only nice of the Indians to shake hands as soon as both Washy and Jaddu got to their hundreds. I would have loved to see India playing out the full hour. Why not? Isn't it part of the tactics to tire out the opposition, every possible way? You may find that it does not lead to a result but look at it from the Indian team's POV: Isn't tiring your (any) bowlers and keeping your team on the field for that much (read every possible minute) longer worth it? Is it not a good result from an Indian POV? Sure, it might not suit you but again how is that India's problem? This is why the consent of both captains is sought before a mutually agreed draw an hour being scheduled close of play on Day 5. Only and only if BOTH captains agree.

So gulp your grumpy high-handed attitude down your throat and embrace humility. It is only when you give others the respect that they rightfully deserve that you will also get respect in return. Otherwise, all the wonderful numbers and performances you put would come with a disclaimer: Aah, if only he were a nicer and fairer person too, who could have learnt to accept that the world is not here to just comply with him.

Go well and hope to see a better version of you, going forward.

Cheers!

Lessons from the first Test

Ab jo ho gaya, so ho gaya. But it's time to reflect and ensure we identify and learn from our mistakes from this Test to come up with a better result next time.

The first Test between India and England in the Tendulkar–Anderson Trophy offered more than just a contest between bat and ball; it was a lesson-rich chapter for Team India. As the series progresses, let's look at the key takeaways from this match which can be very important for crafting a successful campaign.

1. The Importance of Mental Resilience

One of the biggest takeaways is the significance of mental fortitude. The match illustrated how quickly momentum can shift in Test cricket. England's comeback from a challenging position in the second innings underscored the necessity for India to maintain focus and composure across all sessions.

2. Understanding Conditions Better

While the pitch offered balanced conditions for both batters and bowlers, adapting quickly was key. In the first Test, Joe Root and England's tail adjusted to the pitch by relying more on sweeps and counter-attacks, putting pressure on India's bowlers. The lesson here is for India to read the surface and weather dynamics more astutely and adjust strategies accordingly.

3. Bowling in Partnerships

Effective bowling in partnerships can apply more pressure and create more opportunities. The first Test witnessed moments where India's bowlers, despite starting strong, failed to maintain pressure from both ends. This allowed England's batters like Ollie Pope to settle and build match-defining innings. Building a collaborative approach within the bowling unit can turn the tide in long matches.

4. The Role of Tailenders

With the tail becoming increasingly valuable, ensuring lower-order contributions can no longer be overlooked. In this match, England's tail wagged effectively, adding valuable runs that bolstered their total. Team India needs to focus more on tail-end batting preparation and adopt strategies that enable lower-order resilience.

5. Seizing Opportunities

Dropping crucial catches or failing to utilize moments of vulnerability can prove costly. The match emphasized the necessity of sharp fielding and clinical execution when opportunities arise, as evidenced by a crucial dropped chance that allowed England's batters to extend their innings significantly.

Conclusion

The first Test of the Tendulkar–Anderson Trophy was a reminder that victories are built upon countless moments of discipline, resilience, and teamwork. By focusing on these learnings, Team India can approach the rest of the series with a more robust and refined mindset, ready to rise to the challenge posed by a formidable England side.
Jai Ho!

Haara wahi, jo ladaa nahin

It's been a rough start to the first Home Test of the year.

We have lost to Bazball-fueled English side in another tough-to-swallow defeat and some analysis and lessons are in order.

In a stunning turn of events at Hyderabad, England orchestrated one of their greatest Test victories against India, defying all odds and expectations. Falling behind by a massive 190 runs in the first innings, a deficit never before overturned by a visiting team in India, England emerged triumphant in the face of adversity. This victory, undoubtedly, will be etched in the annals of cricket history as a testament to the resilience and determination displayed by the English side.

Ollie Pope's Sweep-Filled Masterclass

The heroics of Ollie Pope stole the show in England's second innings, where he played a pivotal role in turning the game on its head. Scoring a sensational 196 runs, Pope's innings was a masterclass in the art of sweeps, reverse sweeps, and even the audacious reverse Dilscoop. His ability to disrupt the lengths of the Indian spinners left them searching for answers. Pope's fearless approach, reminiscent of Dinesh Chandimal's iconic innings in Galle in 2015, paved the way for England's historic comeback.

Tom Hartley's Debut Brilliance

Debutant left-arm spinner Tom Hartley became an unlikely hero for England, despite a challenging start in his first Test over. Hit for two sixes in his debut over and with a costly analysis in the first innings, Hartley bounced back with a remarkable seven-wicket haul in the second innings. His ability to find the right length and capitalize on the weaknesses of the Indian batsmen showcased the depth and resilience of the English bowling attack.

India's Top-Order Struggles

While England's comeback was remarkable, India's top-order batting struggles played a significant role in their defeat. Rohit Sharma's 39 was the highest score in India's second innings, highlighting the inability of the top order to anchor the chase. The lack of natural sweepers in the Indian lineup became apparent, as the spinners from England capitalized on this weakness.

Ben Stokes' Captaincy and Bowling Brilliance

Ben Stokes, captaining with flair, demonstrated astute leadership in both innings. In the first innings, his attacking captaincy aimed to buy wickets, setting the tone for England's fightback. In the fourth innings, he relied on conventional methods, attacking with the ball while defending with strategic field placements. Stokes' approach, combined with effective bowling from Jack Leach and Hartley, played a crucial role in dismantling India's batting lineup.

England's Bowling Strategy and Adaptability

England's bowlers, led by Jasprit Bumrah, showcased adaptability and strategic brilliance. Despite an injury to experienced spinner Jack Leach and initial struggles of debutant Hartley, the bowlers adapted to the conditions and exploited the weaknesses of the Indian batsmen. England's ability to control the lengths and maintain pressure in the crucial moments of the game proved to be a game-changer.

Final thoughts

England's triumph in the first Test match against India at Hyderabad will be remembered as one of the most remarkable turnarounds in Test cricket history. Ollie Pope's heroic innings, Tom Hartley's debut brilliance, and the strategic captaincy of Ben Stokes were pivotal in overcoming the daunting challenge posed by the Indian team. As both teams gear up for the next encounters in the series, the lessons learned from this epic clash will undoubtedly shape the narrative of the battles to come.

Despite this setback, I'm sure Team India will fight back and come hard.

Khelenge behtar, aur jeetenge bhi..

Kyunki haara wahi, jo ladaa nahin!

Lords of Lord's!

"If you go after one of our guys, you are going after the whole team, all XI of us will come right back.”

Some things stay etched in your memory forever and if you had to find a one-line summary of what Team India is all about, you need not go any further than this statement from KL Rahul at the end of the Lord's Test.

To win a Test match is one thing and a great joy in itself. For any team from the subcontinent, winning in one of the SENA countries is quite another. 

But to win from a precarious position when, by the end of the first hour on Day 5 as Rishabh Pant got dismissed for not very much, Indian fans would have been hoping that we do not lose the match.

From there, when a draw would have looked as if God had answered our prayers, to in fact winning the match quite dramatically and dominantly, it was just surreal, amazing, and most pleasing. 

The entire Anderson-Bumrah-Buttler episode seemed to have galvanized our tailenders, (correction: accomplished lower order batsmen) as Messrs Mohammad Shami and Jasprit Bumrah pulled off an absolute batting heist against the hapless English bowlers who had no clue what had hit them.

From defending and tuk-tukking the match, to actually getting to a position, we ended up declaring (by many accounts, even the declaration could have been timed earlier). Says a lot about how radically that partnership transformed the entire match. And then, the way we bowled our heart out to dismiss the Englishmen well within the 60 overs on the final day. If this is not awesomeness, I don't know what else is.

Well done, Team India and keep shining, always.

Jai Ho!

Bring it on!

Every big match or big series neds its due recognition.
It is no news how eagerly, Virat and his boys in blue are looking forward to the England tour.

Messrs Shastri and Kohli have spelt their priorities quite clearly: the terms "success" and "greatness" for their Indian team are defined by performance and victories on overseas, especially South African, English, and Australian soils.

They have made a good start in that direvtion, with the South African sojourn being quite creditable for the team.
Now, come tomorrow, all heads turn to England, the biggest of tests and joys in cricket - in whites, and with the swinging conditions in England.

For the skipper too, there is no need to be inspired. We all know how important this tour is for him personally too. He has all the hunger and the ingredients to be counted among the best of the best ever batsmen, but domination in England has been a missing tickmark till now, on his CV.

So, as we enter the big day, here's wishing Captain Kohli and the Indian Cricket Team,  20 wickets in every match and atleast ome run more than England, each game :-)
Play well and good luck, bwaays!!!

Time to introspect

A lot of water has gone down the Thames since the time I last posted on this blog.

It seems perhaps even a completely different time when the Indian team won at Lord's.

Cut to the present: where, after lording over England at Lord's, we repeated the same old story of inept displays in all departments of the game at Old Trafford, followed by a big zero (another oval) at the Oval too.

If, after being 1-0 up after 2 Tests, you lose the series 1-3 (with the last two Tests getting wrapped well under 3 days), it just shows how meekly and completely you have lost the plot.

It's only appropriate therefore, that we use this latest series loss to introspect for the patterns and learnings we could take from them.

More than the matches, we have lost the respect and credibility of being competent performers at the world level.
As Harsha Bhogle points out correctly, good batsmen do not become bad overnight (and vice versa too!).
So what is it, that has plagued us series after series, in overseas conditions, not just on this tour, but in all the overseas tours we have undertaken (in the real deal - the Test matches)?

We have some good words of advice and constructive analysis available here:
You can read about the background and context of India's abysmal performance here.

Siddharth Monga shares his anguish of a deflated Indian team's dispirited show here.

And this is where he shares thoughts about the benchmarks we could have on digesting and classifying how ignominious our defeats can be.

No home series victory would help heal these wounds.
No amount of wins in ODIs would create the aura that a Test series victory provides, in difficult, away conditions against quality opposition.

Let us ponder, analyze and come back stronger.
The first step has been taken, let's hope we go forward and emerge improved, stronger, and better.

Lords of Lord's

It's been sweet comeuppance for the Indian team at Lord's this time around.
After what was a terrible tour in 2011, this younger, new-look Team India has done pretty well in both the Tests that have been played so far in this series.
While Trent Bridge would rightly not qualify to be up there in the league of the toughest 'away' matches that India would have ever played (due to the placid, benign pitch on offer), what really made everyone stand up and take notice was our performance at Lord's.

After losing what was a very crucial toss, and being inserted to bat by England on a green top, the Indians would have the odds stacked against them.
Despite that, the team played splendid cricket at all levels in the game, to emerge deserving winners at the end of Day 5.

Just a few notes about our victory at Lord's:

Murali Vijay - disciplined, focused and absolutely watertight in his defence and leaving the balls that are best left alone.

Cheteshwar Pujara - lovely application, great temperament and a classy, patient innings.

Ajinkya Rahane - with the classy hundred he scored

Ishant Sharma - bowling the way he most often should - more than the second innings, I liked him a lot the way he bowled in the first innings...no trash deliveries, pitched-up, wonderful line and length - maintained consistently.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar - superb batting and bowling

Ravindra Jadeja - great counterattack and disciplined bowling

Wait, we still have Dhawan, Kohli and Dhoni who are due anytime now.
Plus, I am betting on Ashwin to come good and be effective in his next outing (and there's even a certain Gautam Gambhir waiting in the wings - talk of bench strength!).

Shami needs to just stop drifting down leg side so consistently and rediscover his control and accuracy.

Dhoni could still be more proactive the way he was in the second innings and not like his captaincy at the fag end of England's first innings.

All said and done, given the form and fitness our team is in, this series is a golden opportunity to obliterate all the unpleasant memories of the past, and ensure a series win in England, finally!!

Dear Team India

As a popular joke would have me believe, it was a good tour for us. We beat 3 teams: Sussex, Kent and Leicestershire. And lost to only one: England :|


A lot of water has flown through the Ganges (or through the Thames, if you'd like) since the time I last wrote about the Indian cricket team's travails in England.

Despite the fact that we had lost poorly in the first Test, I was still hopeful of a turnaround in our fortunes.
Well, turn they did, only to turn circularly - to effect a 0-4 drubbing in the Tests, a 0-1 in the lone T20 match, and a 0-3 scoreline in the ODIs.

I saw most of the massacres live, and I am still searching for a silver lining in our performance. Nevertheless, there is still no doubt that we can only do better in the upcoming series.

In a contrived and convoluted sort of way, I am quite happy in a way that we lost so badly.
Despite the injuries, the spate of below-par performances, and the weather playing truant especially on the few India was in commanding positions, we cannot say with hand on heart, that we deserved to hold on to the #1 spot in Test Cricket after our performance.

I am happy with our whitewash because I have a hope that this shall rankle us. Hurt us. Remind us.
I wanted to write about all this now,  because I do expect most Indian batsmen to score big and plunder attacks at will in the ensuing encounters at home.
Not for a moment am I not valuing their ability in home conditions. I just wanted to write this today to ensure I register my thoughts and rankling from the English summer somewhere so that next time we hit a fast bowler outta the park, we do not lose perspective of what we've still got to accomplish.

But as the Champions League razzmatazz gets underway, and our stars find their own in familiarly docile conditions, let us not forget that if we manage even 80% of what we do at home, we shall be consistent away-series winners.

It's been a while since we lost, let alone lost so badly. So hopefully, such a smattering which has come after a string of commendable and at least respectable away-series performances, shall prove to be more an aberration than a portent for things to come. However, as they say, those who forget their history, are condemned to repeat it.

While there is no reason why we should not be more patient and understanding about the highs and lows that any team and core group of players inevitably goes through, let us also try our best to learn from the tour and not forget those lessons as we rebound at home and ride on the crest of domestic success again.

Let us not forget the mistakes and shortcomings to work on, when we hit the next knee-length ball out of the park.
While we respect, enjoy and love all the talent and ability on display at home, let us not forget that we are not true champions till we conquer all frontiers.
Let us enjoy being the champs at home, but let us savor etching the Indian flag on Australian, South African, and English soil, more than just defending our crown at home.