Gavaskar Questions Name Order in Proposed Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy

Sunil Gavaskar, the former captain of India, has expressed his disagreement with the decision to name the Test trophy between England and India the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, suggesting the Indian batting legend’s name should be prioritized.

Writing in his column for Mid-day, Gavaskar conceded the right of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to rename the series but challenged the ordering of the names in the title.

Gavaskar stated, “The ECB has every right to designate the series as they see fit. However, for the majority, if not all, Indian cricket enthusiasts, it is disconcerting to see Anderson’s name listed first.”

Gavaskar contended that Sachin Tendulkar, commonly recognized as one of cricket’s all-time greats, warranted precedence due to his extensive career and achievements.

He remarked, “Sachin Tendulkar, along with Kapil Dev, is not only the most accomplished Indian cricketer, but he is also more than twelve years older than Anderson.”

“He holds the top spot in both Test cricket and one-day internationals for runs and centuries, surpassing all others. Anderson ranks third among Test cricket’s leading wicket-takers, but his record in one-day cricket does not compare to Tendulkar’s.”

He also highlighted Tendulkar’s contribution to India’s 2011 World Cup victory, contrasting it with Anderson’s lack of a World Cup title.

“Tendulkar was also a member of a World Cup-winning squad, a feat Anderson has not accomplished. Jimmy Anderson is an exceptional bowler, particularly in English conditions, but his away record is significantly inferior to Tendulkar’s. I encourage all Indian cricket fans, including the media, to refer to it as the Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy.”

Historically, Test series between England and India held in England have been contested for the Pataudi Trophy, which honors Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi, the only cricketer to have played Test cricket for both England and India.

His son, Mansoor Ali Khan ‘Tiger’ Pataudi, a distinguished India captain, further cemented the family’s cricketing heritage.

The Pataudi Trophy was established in 2007 to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the inaugural Test match between India and England. Meanwhile, series conducted in India are played for the Anthony De Mello Trophy.

Gavaskar previously criticized the decision to discontinue the Pataudi Trophy name, describing it as “a complete lack of regard for the Pataudis’ contributions to cricket in both England and India” in a Sportstar column.