The Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025 could have easily tilted 3-2 in England’s favour, if not for India’s determined resistance in the fourth Test at Old Trafford. Chasing a large deficit, India were rocked early on Day 4, losing two wickets for zero in the very first over. With the series hanging in the balance, captain Shubman Gill and opener KL Rahul stepped up, showing remarkable composure. Rahul notched up a gritty century, while Gill narrowly missed out, scoring 90, stitching together a crucial partnership that pulled India out of early trouble.
Their recovery act was followed by an unforgettable stand between Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar, who both scored centuries. The duo batted England out of the match with a mix of patience and resilience, ensuring the contest was firmly heading toward a draw. But just when the tension seemed to ease, Ben Stokes approached Jadeja with a handshake, proposing to call it off — an offer India turned down.
This rejection led to a brief but animated exchange between the players. With the Indian duo approaching their milestones, Stokes handed the ball to part-time bowlers Joe Root and Harry Brook, citing the need to protect his fatigued pacers ahead of the final Test. The move sparked debate across the cricketing world.
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Sachin Tendulkar, speaking in a Reddit video, strongly backed Team India’s stance. “People are asking if it was in the right spirit because Washington and Jadeja scored hundreds — of course it was. They were playing for a draw. England gave it a go, and India handled it well,” said Tendulkar.
He emphasized that England’s bowlers’ workload wasn’t India’s concern. “The series was still alive. Why should India help rest England’s bowlers? If Stokes wanted to bowl Brook, that was his decision — not India’s responsibility.” Sachin Tendulkar highlighted how the situation demanded grit, not generosity. “If they had lost wickets at that stage, we could’ve been in real trouble. It’s not about scoring centuries, it’s about saving the game. And they did that brilliantly,” he added.
He further praised Washington Sundar for his adaptability. “In the fourth Test, Sundar played a match-saving knock — 101* off 206 balls. Then in the fifth Test, when quick runs were needed, he struck a rapid half-century. That’s the hallmark of a thinking cricketer.”
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Sachin Tendulkar also credited the team leadership — from Shubman Gill to Gautam Gambhir — for backing their instincts in pressure situations.
“I stand 100% with Team India. Whether it was Jadeja or Washington, the way they assessed the moment and played accordingly was commendable. Washy showed he can dig deep and accelerate when needed — a rare combination.”
India’s draw at Old Trafford set the stage for their Oval heroics, ensuring the series ended 2-2 — a fair reflection of two quality teams battling till the very end.
