Cricketing legend Sunil Gavaskar has stirred the pot with his pointed critique of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), following their decision to rename the historic Test series between India and England as the “Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy”—but with James Anderson’s name appearing before Sachin Tendulkar’s.
In his weekly column for Mid-Day, Gavaskar did not hold back. He called the move “jarring” for Indian cricket fans and questioned the ECB’s logic of placing Anderson’s name before that of the Indian batting icon. According to Gavaskar, Tendulkar’s legendary achievements across formats far outweigh Anderson’s, making the order both disrespectful and misrepresentative.
A Matter of Legacy
While acknowledging Anderson’s longevity and greatness in Test cricket, Gavaskar emphasized that Tendulkar’s record is unparalleled—not only in red-ball cricket but also in ODIs, where Anderson’s contributions are minimal in comparison.
The former India captain didn’t buy into the ECB’s explanation that the name order followed alphabetical protocol either, calling the justification “lame.”
On the Pataudi Medallion
Gavaskar also raised eyebrows over the Pataudi medallion—an honor introduced by the ECB to commemorate the legacy of the Nawab of Pataudi family, which will be awarded to the captain of the series-winning side.
While appreciating the sentiment, Gavaskar offered a more thoughtful alternative. He suggested that the medallion should be presented to the Player of the Match for each Test, culminating in a Player of the Series award, so that the Pataudi name is honored across all matches.
A Divisive Decision?
The naming controversy has led to a broader debate in the cricketing world. While James Anderson is undeniably a modern-day great with over 700 Test wickets, Tendulkar’s iconic stature and influence transcend formats, conditions, and generations.
For many Indian fans, placing Anderson ahead of Tendulkar in the trophy’s name feels like a snub—not just to a cricketing titan, but to the emotional and cultural significance he holds.
Gavaskar urged Indian cricket lovers to refer to the ongoing series as the Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy, giving rightful first mention to the “Little Master”, whose career shaped the dreams of millions and inspired a new era in Indian cricket.
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