The renaming of the iconic India-England Test series from the Pataudi Trophy to the Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy has sparked a wave of reactions, and now, in a move to preserve the legacy of one of India’s most celebrated cricketing figures, the BCCI has reportedly approached the ECB with a request — to name one of the post-match individual awards after Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi.

Fondly known as ‘Tiger’, Pataudi was more than just a stylish batter; he was a trailblazing captain who took charge of the Indian team at just 21 years old, shortly after a car accident left him permanently impaired in one eye. Despite the setback, he led India to nine Test victories, including the country’s historic first away win in New Zealand.

Known for his fearless attitude and natural leadership, Pataudi played a pivotal role in shaping the Indian team’s self-belief during a transformative era post-independence.

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The move to rename the series after Sachin Tendulkar and James Anderson — two modern-day icons — has drawn criticism from cricket purists and Pataudi’s family, who feel his legacy risks being sidelined. Pataudi’s connection to English cricket, having played county cricket for Sussex and spent significant time in the UK, was one of the key reasons the trophy originally bore his name.

A senior BCCI official told The Indian Express, “We’ve requested the ECB to name one of the individual awards after Pataudi. Ultimately, it’s their home series, and the decision is theirs. We’re waiting for a response.”

While modern cricket increasingly leans toward naming bilateral series after contemporary greats — like the Border-Gavaskar Trophy — there remains a sentiment to honour those who laid the foundation. For Pataudi’s family, the change feels personal.

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His daughter, Soha Ali Khan, expressed her disappointment: “It’s disheartening. My father’s contribution to Indian cricket, especially in its formative years, was immense. He instilled a sense of pride and unity. Even if not through the trophy, we hope the BCCI ensures he’s remembered in some meaningful way.”

The cricketing fraternity now waits to see how the ECB and BCCI strike a balance between honouring legends of the past and icons of the present.