The Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, a five-match Test series between India and England in 2025, was a cricketing spectacle that will be remembered for its high-scoring battles, dramatic finishes, and the emergence of new stars alongside the brilliance of established ones. With the series ending in a thrilling 2-2 draw, the performances of India’s young captain Shubman Gill and England’s batting maestro Joe Root stood out, sparking debates about who truly dominated the series. Former England pacer Stuart Broad, known for his sharp cricketing insights, was put on the spot to choose between these two batting giants during a podcast episode of For The Love of Cricket. His response, laced with humor and admiration, highlighted the difficulty of picking one over the other, given their monumental contributions. This article delves into the performances of Root and Gill, the context of Broad’s choice, and the legacy of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.
The Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy: A Run-Fest for the Ages
The 2025 Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy was a batter’s paradise, setting new benchmarks in Test cricket history. According to reports, the series saw a staggering 7,187 runs scored, including 21 centuries, tying the record for the most centuries in a Test series. Nine players crossed the 400-run mark, a world record, with India alone contributing eight team totals exceeding 300 runs, a feat matched only by Australia and England in previous series. This run-heavy series was a testament to the aggressive, modern approach to Test cricket, with both teams showcasing resilience and flair.
The series began with England chasing down a mammoth 371 at Headingley, signaling their intent to dominate at home. India responded with a commanding 336-run victory at Edgbaston, driven by Gill’s twin centuries. England edged ahead with a narrow 22-run win at Lord’s, but a draw in Manchester set the stage for a nail-biting finale at The Oval. India’s six-run victory in the fifth Test, thanks to Mohammed Siraj’s fiery five-wicket haul, leveled the series at 2-2, ensuring India maintained their seven-year unbeaten streak against England in Test series.
Shubman Gill: The Young Captain’s Meteoric Rise
At just 25, Shubman Gill led India with a blend of composure and intensity, stepping into the shoes of legends like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who had retired from Test cricket. Gill’s appointment as captain raised eyebrows due to his relatively modest Test average of 35 before the series, but he silenced critics with a breathtaking performance. Scoring 754 runs at an average of 83.78, Gill became the leading run-scorer of the series, with a double century (269) and three centuries (147, 161, and 103). His tally is the second-highest by a visiting captain in England, trailing only Don Bradman’s 974 runs in 1930.
Gill’s batting was a masterclass in adaptability and aggression. His double century at Edgbaston was a statement of intent, anchoring India’s massive total and setting up their victory. Despite a rare low of 54 runs across two innings in London, Gill’s consistency was remarkable, with four centuries in ten innings—a feat matched only by Bradman and Sunil Gavaskar among captains in a single series. His leadership was equally impressive, particularly in the final Test at The Oval, where his tactical acumen and a crucial decision on the new ball helped India defend 373 runs, bowling England out for 367.
Off the field, Gill displayed a mix of Kohli’s fiery passion and Sharma’s calm demeanor, as noted by England’s Jos Buttler on the For The Love of Cricket podcast. Buttler, who played under Gill in the Indian Premier League, praised his ability to balance intensity with a measured approach, a trait evident in India’s comeback at The Oval. Gill’s series was not without flaws—critics like Ricky Ponting and Stuart Broad pointed out tactical errors in the Manchester Test—but his ability to lead a young, transitional Indian side to a draw in England cemented his legacy as a captain and batter.
Joe Root: The Peter Pan of Batting
Joe Root, at 34, continued to defy time, earning the moniker “Peter Pan of batting” from ESPN. With 13,409 Test runs by the end of the series, Root surpassed Ricky Ponting, Kumar Sangakkara, and Rahul Dravid to become the second-highest run-scorer in Test history, trailing only Sachin Tendulkar’s 15,921. In the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, Root amassed 537 runs, including three centuries (104, 150, and 105) and an unbeaten fifty (53*). While his run tally was lower than Gill’s, Root’s innings were often pivotal, steering England through high-pressure situations.
Root’s 150 at Old Trafford was a defining moment, handing England a 186-run lead and nearly sealing the series. His century at Lord’s leveled the series, and his 105 at The Oval, alongside Harry Brook’s 111, threatened to chase down India’s 374. Root’s ability to evolve, particularly after the 2020 COVID break, was evident. He addressed weaknesses against spin and short-pitched bowling, averaging over 60 in recent years, and his brilliant catching and occasional spin bowling added to his value. As Eoin Morgan noted, Root is England’s “most complete batsman,” a player whose consistency and adaptability set him apart.
Root’s journey mirrors Gill’s in some ways—both were prodigies destined for greatness, with Root captaining England at 26 and Gill at 25. However, Root’s experience, including overcoming slumps and losing the captaincy, gave him a resilience that shone through in this series. His mentorship of younger players like Harry Brook and Jamie Smith further underscored his importance to England.
Stuart Broad’s Dilemma: Root or Gill?
When asked to choose between Root and Gill for a combined XI on the For The Love of Cricket podcast, Stuart Broad’s reaction was telling: “Oh, piss off. You want me to choose a name? Yeah. Joe and Shubman Gill… I can see the headlines now.” His playful response, met with laughter from Jos Buttler, reflected the near-impossible task of separating the two. Ultimately, Broad leaned toward Root, citing his pivotal role in England’s campaign and his status as a homegrown hero. However, his admiration for Gill was clear, acknowledging the Indian captain’s “unbelievable” series, where he outscored Root by over 200 runs.
Broad’s choice was not just about numbers but context. Root’s runs often came when England needed them most, such as his 150 at Old Trafford, which nearly clinched the series. Gill, while prolific, faced criticism for tactical errors, such as India’s bowling strategy on Day 2 of the Manchester Test, which Broad called “unacceptable.” Yet, Gill’s leadership in the final Test, particularly his handling of Siraj and Prasidh Krishna, earned Broad’s respect. Broad’s decision to pick Root was also influenced by loyalty to his former teammate, but he didn’t shy away from praising Gill’s monumental series.
The Broader Impact of the Series
The Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy was more than a contest between Root and Gill; it was a showcase of Test cricket’s enduring appeal. India’s young side, without stalwarts like Kohli, Sharma, and Ravichandran Ashwin, defied expectations. Players like KL Rahul (532 runs), Ravindra Jadeja (516 runs), and Rishabh Pant (479 runs) complemented Gill’s brilliance, while Siraj’s fiery spells, including a match-winning 5-104 at The Oval, underlined India’s bowling depth. England, led by Ben Stokes (304 runs, 17 wickets), relied on Root, Harry Brook (top-ranked Test batter), and Jamie Smith (434 runs) to stay competitive.
The series also highlighted tactical nuances. Broad criticized the early stumps call on Day 4 of the final Test, labeling it “lazy” and arguing that fans deserved a finish. He also questioned India’s repeated requests to change the Dukes ball at Lord’s, pointing to inconsistencies in its durability. These moments added drama to an already intense series, with both teams pushing the boundaries of modern Test cricket.
Legacy and Future Prospects
For Gill, the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy was a defining moment. His 754 runs and leadership under pressure established him as India’s next great batting hope and a capable captain. However, challenges remain, particularly finding a stable No. 3 batter, with Karun Nair and Sai Sudharsan yet to cement their spots. For Root, the series was another chapter in his storied career. With 2,512 runs needed to surpass Tendulkar, Root’s journey continues, with upcoming tours, including Australia, set to test his longevity.
Broad’s choice of Root over Gill reflects the Englishman’s clutch performances, but Gill’s series was a triumph of youth and potential. As India and England share the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, the debate over Root vs. Gill will linger, a testament to their brilliance and the series’ place in cricket history.
