In June 2025, the England–India Test rivalry received a symbolic refresh as the Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy was unveiled, replacing both the Pataudi and Anthony de Mello awards. Named after England’s veteran seamer James Anderson and India’s batting legend Sachin Tendulkar, the trophy marks the start of a unified award for all future India–England Test series, regardless of venue.
The inaugural contest under this legacy banner ran from 20 June to 4 August 2025, spanning five Tests across Headingley, Edgbaston, Lord’s, Old Trafford, and The Oval. It ended electrifyingly in a 2–2 draw, meaning India shared the trophy with England (the host side retains it in the event of a tie).
Replacing Legends, Welcoming a New Phase
The 2024–25 season marked a generational shift in Indian cricket. With Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma retiring from Test cricket in May 2025, the side entered a rebuilding phase under fresh leadership. At just 25 years old, Shubman Gill was named India’s 37th Test captain, with keeper-batter Rishabh Pant his deputy.
Gill’s mantra in the build-up was clear: “Won’t think about pressure – want to bat, dominate, be best batter in the series.” He took the captaincy mantle with poise, confident in his own game and his spice-based IPL leadership experience.
Gill’s Captaincy: Immersed in Records
Despite several low scores in London, Gill’s campaign was jaw‑dropping:
- He amassed 754 runs at an average of 75.4, with four Test centuries (every time he crossed 50, he converted it to 100).
- That tally surpassed Sunil Gavaskar’s 732 (1978–79) to become the most ever by an Indian Test captain in a single series.
- He joined Don Bradman and Gavaskar as the only captains to score four centuries in their debut series as skipper – and Gill was the first to do so overseas.
- In Test No. 2 at Edgbaston, Gill made 269 runs from 387 balls – the highest Test score ever by an Indian captain and one of the biggest overseas scores by an Indian batter. His 161 in the second innings gave a match aggregate of 430, the second-highest ever in Test history.
- The series shattered aggregate records: over 7,000 total runs, nine batters crossing 400 (India trio Gill, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja all exceeded 500), 21 centuries, and 19 hundred‑plus partnerships – all among the highest recorded in any Test series ever.
Gill led from the front with respect to responsibility, composure, and clarity – never losing composure under ferocious Baz-ball style onslaughts from England; even rowdy exchanges at Lord’s (occasionally involving stump mic clips) didn’t rattle him.
The Oval Finale: Nerve of Steel and Siraj’s Bravery
Mohammed Siraj led India’s bowling with 23 wickets (most in the series), including a fiery five-for in the final session of the fifth Test. His last spell saw India bowl out England from 339/6 to 367, sparking thunderous celebrations.“A captain’s dream,”Gill said, describing Siraj – who’d earlier dropped Harry Brook on 19 only to return with deadly convictions at crunch time.
When England needed only 35 runs with four wickets in hand on Day 5 (after a 339/6 rain-affected finish to Day 4), an unlikely drama ensued: seven wickets fell for just 66 runs. Chris Woakes walked out with a dislocated shoulder, batted one-handed left-handed, and epitomised the series’ heroism. Ultimately, England fell six runs short – India’s narrowest Test win ever, giving them a final 2–2 draw and shared trophy honours.
Gill acknowledged the narrow escape as improbable but also meaningful:“Once you’re sorted mentally, technique comes automatically. This series has shown we never give up.”.
Legacy Laid, Future Focused
India’s 2025 England tour under the Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy cemented a bold new narrative arc:
A fresh leadership era with Shubman Gill as captain, defining a young, fearless Indian Test side.
A series hammered rhythm and intensity: record‑breaking runs, towering individual performances, and Test cricket played at fierce margins.
Moments of team character and strategic growth: gutsy inclusive batting from Jadeja, Sundar, Akash or Rahul; spirited fielding; and ability to handle both momentum swings and toxicity in pressure situations.
Gill’s captaincy and batting have raised global expectations. This wasn’t simply an impressive debut – it was an emphatic declaration of a new era: composed yet aggressive, youthful yet grounded. For Indian cricket fans, it may just be the start of an even greater chapter.