Sachin Tendulkar has helped safeguard the Pataudi name in India-England men’s Tests by proposing a post-series award for the winning captain. The move follows confirmation that the overall contest has been re-branded the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.
Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, Tendulkar explained his first reaction when told the traditional Pataudi Trophy would no longer headline the series. “I remember some time ago, when the Pataudi Trophy was retired by ECB and BCCI, and then a few months down the line, when I was informed about this – the trophy being named after the two of us – that came as a pleasant surprise,” he said. “The call that I made immediately after that was to the Pataudi family and I spoke to them; [I] also spoke about keeping the Pataudi legacy alive, [and] said, ‘I’ll have some ideas. I will come back to you.’”
Tendulkar’s suggestion was simple: a Pataudi Medal of Excellence for the skipper who lifts the main prize. The BCCI and ECB agreed, seeing the medal as an appropriate nod to Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi’s celebrated leadership. “I shared my thoughts with BCCI and ECB. I thought the outcome was very good,” Tendulkar noted. “We decided that the Pataudi Medal of Excellence would be given to the winning captain because he was known for his leadership skills. The legacy is kept alive. I’ve always believed that someone who’s contributed to Indian cricket and cricket across the globe should always be respected and remembered.”
The new silver-and-gold trophy itself carries etched images of both Tendulkar and James Anderson, the most capped Test players from their respective nations. Tendulkar owns 200 caps; Anderson stands on 188 and counting. “It’s a reflection of our contribution to our respective nations in Test cricket,” Tendulkar said. “I’ve played for 24 years, and Anderson played for 21 years. So both of us put together, it’s a substantial number of years – 45 years put together of international cricket, especially Test. That makes me feel happy. I know the appreciation is in a different way as naming the Trophy after us.”
Anderson echoed that sentiment in a short statement released by the ECB. “It’s a proud moment for me and my family to have this iconic series named after Sachin and myself,” he said. “The rivalry between our two nations has always been something special – full of history, intensity and unforgettable moments. To be recognised in this way is a real honour. I’m looking forward to seeing the next chapter unfold in England this summer. It promises to be compelling, competitive cricket – exactly what you’d expect from two great sides. This is elite sport at its finest.”
The pair first crossed swords in 2006 when India toured England, and their individual duel became one of the era’s defining match-ups. “In 2003, I played against him in South Africa during the World Cup,” Tendulkar recalled. “In England, I played against him in 2007. But along the way, there have been many battles, and some ended up in a good result, some didn’t. But all in all, when you look back, you feel that I enjoyed those challenging moments, and that’s what one prepares for.”
With five Tests scheduled in England this summer, the Pataudi Medal will be handed over for the first time at The Oval in September. Administrators hope the extra piece of silverware will add context without overshadowing the broader contest. For Tendulkar, the reward lies in history rather than headlines. “That journey was a beautiful [one], and in that, multiple memories stay with you,” he said, pausing as if replaying a few innings in his mind.
Whether the inaugural medal ends up in English or Indian hands, its presence ensures that the Pataudi name remains, quite literally, on the chest of Test cricket’s latest winning captain – exactly as Tendulkar intended.
