The Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025, a five-match Test series between England and India, concluded with a thrilling 2-2 draw, showcasing some of the finest Test cricket in recent memory. The series, marked by intense battles, individual brilliance, and dramatic finishes, particularly the six-run victory for India in the final Test at The Oval, highlighted the depth of talent in both teams. This article compiles the best combined XI from the series, based on performances, impact, and contributions to their respective sides. Below is the dream team, blending England’s aggressive “Bazball” approach with India’s resilient and skillful play.
1. Yashasvi Jaiswal (India) – Opener
Yashasvi Jaiswal emerged as one of India’s brightest stars in the 2025 series. The young left-handed opener carried his form from the Border-Gavaskar Trophy into England, proving his mettle in challenging conditions. Jaiswal’s aggressive yet calculated batting set the tone for India’s innings. His ability to dominate England’s pace attack, particularly against Chris Woakes and Brydon Carse, was notable. Jaiswal scored a century in the first Test at Headingley, contributing significantly to India’s commanding position, though they fell short in the chase. His footwork against spin, especially against Shoaib Bashir, and his fearless approach against Jasprit Bumrah’s pace made him a standout. Jaiswal’s 400+ runs in the series at an average above 50 earned him the opening slot in this XI.
2. Zak Crawley (England) – Opener
Zak Crawley complemented Jaiswal perfectly with his attacking style, embodying England’s “Bazball” philosophy. Crawley’s composure under pressure was evident in the first Test at Headingley, where he played a pivotal role in England’s successful chase of 371. His ability to handle India’s new-ball threat, particularly Jasprit Bumrah, was commendable. Crawley’s elegant drives and willingness to take on the short ball, especially against Mohammed Siraj, stood out. Scoring over 300 runs in the series, including a century and a fifty, Crawley’s consistency and ability to build partnerships with Ben Duckett made him an automatic choice for the second opener’s spot.
3. Shubman Gill (India) – Number 3, Captain
Shubman Gill, India’s newly appointed Test captain, led from the front with the bat, amassing a staggering 743 runs in nine innings at an average of 82.55. His marathon 269 in the second Test at Edgbaston, described as a “turning point” by former players, leveled the series and showcased his ability to anchor and accelerate. Gill’s technique against spin, particularly his use of soft hands against Liam Dawson, and his elegance against pace, especially against Josh Tongue, made him a standout. His leadership, though initially questioned due to limited experience, grew stronger with each Test, culminating in India’s epic victory at The Oval. Gill’s highest Test score of 269 and his ability to grind out tough situations make him the ideal number three and captain of this XI.
4. Joe Root (England) – Number 4
Joe Root, England’s batting mainstay, delivered another masterclass in the 2025 series. His ability to adapt to different situations, whether anchoring the innings or accelerating during chases, was crucial for England. Root’s 53 not out in the first Test chase at Headingley and his consistent scoring throughout the series, totaling over 400 runs, underlined his class. His battles against Ravindra Jadeja were a highlight, with Root using his trademark sweep and reverse-sweep to counter the Indian spinner. Root’s experience and composure under pressure make him a lock at number four, where he can stabilize or push the game forward as needed.
5. KL Rahul (India) – Number 5
KL Rahul’s resurgence in Test cricket was one of the series’ biggest stories. Finishing as the third-highest run-scorer with 532 runs at an average of 53.20, including two centuries and two fifties, Rahul proved his worth in the middle order. His judgment of the off stump, praised by Sachin Tendulkar, and his ability to play late against England’s seamers, particularly Chris Woakes, were exemplary. Rahul’s gritty century in the third Test at Lord’s nearly pulled off a chase for India. His versatility to bat long periods and accelerate when needed makes him a perfect fit at number five, balancing aggression and resilience.
6. Rishabh Pant (India) – Wicketkeeper
Rishabh Pant, India’s X-factor, brought his explosive batting to the fore despite injury concerns. Playing as a pure batter in the fourth Test due to wicketkeeping issues, Pant’s aggressive approach unsettled England’s bowlers. His two centuries in England from previous tours and a crucial 70 in the first Test at Headingley highlighted his ability to change games. Pant’s counter-attacking style against Jofra Archer and his ability to dominate spin, particularly against Liam Dawson, made him a vital cog. As the wicketkeeper, Pant’s energy behind the stumps, despite occasional lapses, adds dynamism to this XI.
7. Ravindra Jadeja (India) – All-Rounder
Ravindra Jadeja’s all-round brilliance was a cornerstone of India’s fightback in the series. His 48 wickets in 2024 and his contributions with both bat and ball in 2025 made him indispensable. Jadeja’s marathon bowling spells, particularly on Day 5 at Headingley, created chances despite Rishabh Pant dropping a few catches. His gritty lower-order batting, including a fifty in the fourth Test at Old Trafford, bolstered India’s totals. Jadeja’s ability to exploit rough patches and bowl tight lines, combined with his electric fielding, makes him the ideal all-rounder at number seven.
8. Washington Sundar (India) – All-Rounder
Washington Sundar emerged as a surprise package in the series, filling the void left by Ravichandran Ashwin’s retirement. His off-spin troubled England’s left-handers, particularly Ben Duckett, on Day 5 pitches. Sundar’s batting contributions, including a crucial 40 in the fourth Test, provided depth to India’s lineup. His ability to bowl long spells and maintain pressure, as seen in the Old Trafford Test, complemented Jadeja’s left-arm spin. Sundar’s all-round potential and composure under pressure earn him a spot as the second all-rounder.
9. Mohammed Siraj (India) – Fast Bowler
Mohammed Siraj was India’s hero in the final Test at The Oval, where his five-wicket haul, including the crucial dismissals of Jamie Overton and Josh Tongue, sealed a six-run victory. Siraj’s fiery pace and relentless aggression troubled England’s batsmen throughout the series. His ability to swing the old ball, as noted by ESPNcricinfo, was pivotal in the final Test. Siraj’s 15 wickets in the series, combined with his never-say-die attitude, make him the spearhead of this bowling attack.
10. Akash Deep (India) – Fast Bowler
Akash Deep’s return from injury for the fifth Test at The Oval proved his worth as a potent seamer. His ten-wicket haul in the second Test at Edgbaston, including 6 for 99 in the second innings, was a game-changer. Deep’s ability to exploit the greenish pitch at The Oval and his relentless accuracy against England’s middle order, particularly Harry Brook, showcased his potential. With 12 wickets in the series, Deep’s raw pace and movement make him a vital part of this XI’s pace attack.
11. Chris Woakes (England) – Fast Bowler
Chris Woakes, England’s dependable all-rounder, bowled with discipline and skill throughout the series. His ability to swing the ball in English conditions troubled India’s top order, particularly Yashasvi Jaiswal. Woakes’ 14 wickets, including a four-wicket haul in the first Test at Headingley, and his handy lower-order runs, including a quick 30 in the third Test, added balance to England’s lineup. His experience and consistency make him the third seamer in this XI, rounding out a formidable bowling unit.
Why This XI?
This combined XI blends youth and experience, aggression and resilience. Jaiswal and Crawley provide a dynamic opening pair, capable of setting a solid foundation or attacking from the outset. Gill and Root anchor the middle order, with Rahul adding solidity and Pant bringing explosiveness. The all-round duo of Jadeja and Sundar offers spin bowling depth and lower-order runs, while Siraj, Deep, and Woakes form a versatile pace attack suited to English conditions. The absence of England’s spinners like Liam Dawson or Shoaib Bashir reflects India’s dominance in the spin department, while the pace-heavy attack suits the series’ conditions.Notable Omissions
Ben Stokes (England): Despite his leadership and 12th Player-of-the-Match award, Stokes’ batting and bowling contributions were inconsistent due to a shoulder injury in the fifth Test.
Jasprit Bumrah (India): Bumrah’s absence in the final Test and limited participation due to injury management reduced his overall impact, though his quality is undeniable.
Harry Brook (England): Brook’s potential was evident, but his 398 runs were overshadowed by the consistency of Gill, Rahul, and Root.
Kuldeep Yadav (India): Despite Sourav Ganguly’s advocacy for his inclusion, Kuldeep played only the fifth Test, limiting his impact compared to Jadeja and Sundar.
The Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025 was a testament to Test cricket’s enduring appeal, with both teams showcasing skill, grit, and flair. This combined XI reflects the series’ standout performers, balancing India’s youthful exuberance with England’s seasoned campaigners. From Gill’s captaincy heroics to Siraj’s fiery spells, this team encapsulates the spirit of a series that answered doubts about Test cricket’s relevance, as KL Rahul aptly noted. With the trophy shared, this XI represents the best of both worlds, ready to take on any challenge in the red-ball arena.
