The newly instituted Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, awarded to the winner of Test series between England and India, has sparked varied reactions within the cricket community. The trophy, introduced in 2025, is named in honor of England's legendary fast bowler James Anderson and India's iconic batsman Sachin Tendulkar. It replaces the Pataudi Trophy and Anthony de Mello Trophy, which were previously awarded to series winners in England and India, respectively.

James Anderson himself has expressed feeling "out of place" with his name appearing alongside Sachin Tendulkar's on the trophy. Speaking to Sky Sports, Anderson conveyed his immense respect for Tendulkar, stating he feels "completely out of place" when he sees his name next to Tendulkar's on the trophy. He humbly acknowledged the honor while seemingly grappling with the idea of being on the same pedestal as the Indian legend. Anderson retired from Test cricket in 2024 as the third-highest wicket-taker in the format, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest fast bowlers of all time.

The decision to rename the trophy was a joint initiative by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The trophy features images of Anderson and Tendulkar in action, along with their engraved signatures. While the renaming aims to honor two of the game's most celebrated figures, it has not been without its critics.

Following the announcement, former Indian batsman Sunil Gavaskar voiced his opinion that Tendulkar's name should have been placed first on the trophy. Gavaskar even encouraged Indian fans to intentionally misname the trophy as the "Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy". The ECB clarified that the names were arranged in alphabetical order.

To maintain the legacy of the Pataudi family, a newly commissioned Pataudi Medal of Excellence will be awarded to the winning captain of each England-India Test series. Sachin Tendulkar played a key role in ensuring the Pataudi legacy remained associated with the series, engaging in discussions with BCCI and ECB officials to institute the medal. Tendulkar contacted the Pataudi family to inform them of the decision to retire the Pataudi Trophy and ensure their continued association with the series.

The Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy marks a new chapter in the rivalry between England and India. While some may debate the naming and its implications, the trophy stands as a symbol of recognition for two exceptional cricketers who have left an indelible mark on the sport. As the current Test series unfolds, the battle for the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy adds another layer of significance to this historic contest.