As England and India gear up for their five-match Test series starting June 20, the series will now be played for the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, a new name given by the ECB to honour two legends of the game. England’s pace great James Anderson, who retired from Test cricket in 2024, recently spoke about his experiences bowling to two Indian icons Virat Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar.

“Kohli Raised His Game”: James Anderson Talks About Bowling to Kohli and Tendulkar

Anderson shared how Kohli became a much tougher player over time. “He had taken his game to a different level. It wasn’t just me, he made things hard for all bowlers. In the first series, I got him out four or five times, but in the next one, I couldn’t get him out even once,” Anderson said.

He was referring to the 2014 Test series in England, when Kohli was still new to Test cricket. Back then, Kohli struggled outside the off stump, and Anderson kept bowling in that area. The plan worked well, and he got Kohli out four times in the series. Kohli scored just 134 runs in five Tests, a series he’d like to forget.

🇮🇳 "He had his 'god-like' presence & when you played against him in India it was incredible."

🏏 "As Virat's career went on, that become more & more like that for him."

Jimmy Anderson reflects on bowling to both Sachin Tendulkar & Virat Kohli

📺 WATCH: https://t.co/7PrEmrKKcy pic.twitter.com/NJaLCqyZyf

— talkSPORT Cricket (@Cricket_TS) June 16, 2025

But the story didn’t stay the same. Kohli came back stronger. “You could see a clear change. He had that tough mindset and confidence that made him very difficult to bowl to,” Anderson added.

*James Anderson* said - "*Virat Kohli* is the toughest batter I have bowled to in the Fab 4. I have found it more difficult to bowl to Kohli than Sachin Tendulkar". (TalkSport podcast) pic.twitter.com/H6Xkj1rE2c

— Shankar lal jat sargaon 🏏 (@jatShankar971) June 17, 2025

ALSO READ: Suryakumar Yadav heads to London ahead of England Test series

Talking about Sachin Tendulkar, Anderson said the experience was different. “When I first bowled to Sachin, he was already a global star. With him, there wasn’t a big change like with Kohli. But still, getting him out was never easy,” he said.

Anderson dismissed Tendulkar nine times and Kohli seven times in Test cricket more than any other bowler. But even with those numbers, Anderson said both players tested his skills in different ways. With the new Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, fans will be reminded of the legendary duels between bat and ball that shaped many unforgettable Test matches over the years.

India will play the first Test against England on June 20 in Leeds, starting a five-match series. Shubman Gill, who is now the new Test captain, has been leading the team’s preparations. The squad has been training for over two weeks and even played a practice match among themselves in Beckenham to get ready.

Before the big game, Reporter spoke to former England captain Graham Gooch, who shared his views on Gill’s captaincy, the challenges ahead, and what to expect from England this summer.

🔥 "This isn’t school cricket, you bloody kid!" – Yograj Singh recalls a fiery moment with Yuvraj Singh during the 2000 Knockout Trophy!

🧠 Graham Gooch backs Shubman Gill, saying there's "no added pressure" on the new Test skipper ahead of the ENG series.

💥 R Ashwin turns up… pic.twitter.com/tguwKD0Z1v

— Cricdiction (@cricdiction) June 17, 2025

Talking about India’s new phase under Gill, Gooch said, “It’s a fresh start. When one chapter ends, another begins. India has a lot of talent, no doubt. Of course, it’s not easy to replace players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, but this team can do well. If Jasprit Bumrah can’t play every match, it’ll be a big loss because he’s a top-class bowler. But this is a chance for young players to step up. And for Gill, it’s a big honour to captain the country. I think he’ll handle it well.”

ALSO READ: Watch: Najmul Hossain Shanto's celebration after smashing his sixth century in SL vs BAN 1st Test

When asked what advice he’d give to Gill, Gooch said, “Some say not everyone can handle the pressure of captaincy, but I don’t fully agree. Being made captain of your country is the biggest honour a cricketer can get. It’s not just about pressure it’s about pride and giving your best.”

Jasprit Bumrah has shared that he turned down the chance to become India’s Test captain because of fitness and workload concerns. Even though he was vice-captain and one of the top choices to take over after Rohit Sharma stepped down in May, Bumrah said it wouldn’t be right to lead the team if he couldn’t play all five matches in the upcoming Test series against England, which begins on June 20 in Leeds.

“I Can’t Play All Tests”: Jasprit Bumrah Shares Why He Said No to Captaincy

Speaking to Sky Sports, Bumrah said, “During the IPL, I had a chat with the BCCI. I spoke to my doctors and physios about the five-match Test series. We all agreed it’s better to be careful. So, I told BCCI not to consider me for the captain’s role because I may not be able to play every Test.”

JASPRIT BUMRAH ON WHY HE DIDN'T BECOME THE TEST CAPTAIN; [Sky Sports]

"Before Rohit & Virat retired - During the IPL, I had spoken to BCCI, that I have discussed about workload going forward in a five-match Test series, I have spoken to people who manage my back - we came to… pic.twitter.com/RfaPyDNKHO

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) June 17, 2025

ALSO READ: New Zealand Captain Sophie Devine to Retire from ODIs After 2025 World Cup

Bumrah added that he didn’t want to start the series as captain and then miss games in between, as it wouldn’t be fair to the team. “I wanted to do what’s best for the team,” he said. After his decision, the BCCI named Shubman Gill as India’s new Test captain. This will be Gill’s first time leading the team in a Test series.

Legendary English pacer James Anderson has reacted to the new name of the England vs India Test series trophy, which is the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.

India vs England Test series trophies have two different names depending on the hosting nation. Previously, the England vs India Test series in England was known as the Pataudi Trophy, in honour of Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi, who was the only cricketer to play for both England and India in Test cricket. On the other hand, the India vs England Test series in India is known as the Anthony de Mello Trophy, in honour of one of the founders of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

See Also: List of seven new cricketers inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame

Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy replaces Pataudi Trophy

However, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has decided to replace the Pataudi Trophy with the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. The new name is in honour of the two legends, former English cricketer James Anderson and former Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar. Tendulkar is the leading run-scorer in Test, ODI, and international cricket, while Anderson is the leading Test and international wicket-taker as a pacer (third leading Test and international wicket-taker as a bowler).

It's a huge honour: James Anderson

The 42-year-old former English pacer James Anderson, who retired from international cricket last year but is still active in the game, feels a huge honour, which he still finds unbelievable. 

During a WP World event at Lord's, Anderson told ESPNcricinfo, "It's a huge honour. I still can't quite believe it. Sachin is someone I looked up to when I was growing up, though I don't want to do him a disservice with his age. I remember watching him, an absolute legend of the game, and I played against him a lot as well. So to have this trophy is a huge honour for me, and I couldn't be more proud."

'Still can't quite believe it' 🏆

James Anderson on the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 🗣️#ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/KpVDPhGjTW

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) June 9, 2025

As Team India prepares for their England trip in 2025, the Sony Sports Network has released a nostalgic trailer of its upcoming show, Bharat Tum Chale Chalo, Kahani 2021-22 Ki. The special series will take fans back through India's unforgettable 2021 Test tour of England and give a rare glimpse behind the scenes of the preparation, passion, and perseverance of the players during one of the toughest overseas tours in recent memory.

The series of 2021 offered drama, brilliance, and resilience. While the series was scheduled to be a five-match series, only four matches were completed due to COVID-19 interruptions. At the time of the postponement, India led the series 2-1, and before the added fifth Test in 2022, England won the Test. Regardless of the outcome, many regarded India's performance in the 2021 leg to be the best of India's Test matches in history.

See Also: KSCA confirms June 4 RCB victory parade approved by Karnataka Government

Sony Sports' exclusive production is an in-depth exploration into the emotional and tactical aspects of the series. With interviews with former India head coach Ravi Shastri, ex-fielding coach R Sridhar, and commentary from actors such as Suniel Shetty, Nick Knight, Vivek Razdan, and Virat Kohli's childhood coach Rajkumar Sharma, the show promises to build a new narrative and visual concept of what made the series so memorable. Viewers should embrace an appetizing mix of storytelling and cricket aspects.

Watch the video here;

🥁🎬 Trailer dropped! Presenting a Sony Sports Network Originals, "Bharat Tum Chale Chalo, Kahani 2021-22 Ki" 🏏 🔥

A tale of grit, glory & unfinished business ⚔️

Watch it on Sony Sports Network TV Channels & Sony LIV.#SonySportsNetwork #SonyLIV#BTCC #BharatTumChaleChalo… pic.twitter.com/apWj3EUH8O

— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) June 5, 2025

Virat Kohli's team hurdle speech was the highlight

The 2021 tour was filled with unforgettable moments, especially during the iconic Lord’s Test, where India staged a remarkable comeback. A gritty partnership between tailenders Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami turned the game around, showcasing India’s fighting spirit. Virat Kohli’s fiery on-field comment, “For 60 overs, they should feel hell out there,” became one of the most talked-about highlights of the match. While the release date for the new docu-series is yet to be revealed, expectations are high, with many anticipating success similar to Bandon Mein Tha Dum, which covered the 2020–21 Australia tour.

In the future, India's 2025 tour of England includes a five-Test series set to run from June to August, where matches will occur at some of the famous cricket grounds in England: Headingley in Leeds, Edgbaston in Birmingham, Lord's and The Oval in London, and Old Trafford in Manchester. With a new Indian team and previous tours and legends in mind, fans from both teams will be keen to see at seeing where the next chapter of this great rivalry goes.

Shubman Gill, who is going to captain Team India in the coming series against England, recently opened up about his leadership style. Talking a day before the highly anticipated tour, Gill said that he doesn't have a specific style as it keeps evolving. "I don't have a particular style in mind. You play and you keep developing these things," he explained, emphasizing the importance of adaptive leadership. His philosophy is centered on establishing rapport with players and having them feel secure and confident within the team setup.

Communication will be a major factor in his strategy, states Gill. "I like to talk to the players. I would try to make them comfortable with their strengths and weaknesses. The players should feel secure; then only will they perform well," he said. Gill wants to instill a positive culture in which players feel comfortable taking the initiative or claiming performances for themselves. Trust and belonging will be central to him getting the best out of his players.

The young skipper also emphasized the need to be tactically alert against a physical England team. "If we are going proactive with our plans, it would put them under pressure," he said. Instead of believing in numbers, Gill is more concerned with establishing the tone by intent and clarity of thought. His focus on mindset and preparation speaks volumes about how he will lead, inspired by confidence, flexibility, and learning.

A Calm, Communication-Based Leadership Vision

Gill's utterances reflect an advanced realization of what leadership in global cricket is about. Rather than strict strategies, Gill holds a place for fluidity and emotional quotient — precious but essential qualities for one entering giants' shoes abandoned by icons like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.

Also Read: RCB team management take huge step to support families of those affected in M Chinnaswamy stampede

While he acknowledges the massive void left by the two icons, Gill is clear that pressure is part of the job. “We’re all used to that by now,” he said, showing no signs of being daunted. For Gill, this tour is not just about performances but about laying the foundation for a new leadership era. came with authority.

Team India is ready to begin a five-match Test series against England on June 20, 2025. This will be their first big red-ball series after the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Legends like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli retired from Test cricket, the team is entering a new chapter. All eyes are on Shubman Gill, who is our new India’s new Test captain.

The BCCI announced the squad today. As fan's wait is completed, here are 3 players who deserve a spot in Team India’s Test squad for England tour.

1. Sai Sudharsan

Sai Sudharsan is a calm and cool batter, who has a fantastic season in the IPL 2025. He is the top run-scorer in the 2025 IPL with 638 runs and has shown that he can handle pressure well in tough situations. But it's not just T20 cricket where he’s done well Sai has also impressed in first-class matches, scoring 1,397 runs in 33 innings at an average of 42.33, including four centuries.

What works in his favor is his recent experience in England. He played county cricket and scored a century, he can handle swinging conditions. With good form and the right mindset, he deserves a shot in the Test team.

ALSO READ: Ajit Agarkar Gives Crucial Update on Jasprit Bumrah’s Availability for the Full England Tour

2. Arshdeep Singh

Arshdeep Singh, the left-arm pacer from Punjab, is already known for his sharp bowling in T20s. But he is improving in longer formats too. In the 2025 IPL, he took 16 wickets in 11 matches.

He played well in the English County Championship, where he used the conditions well with his swing bowling. In first-class cricket, Arshdeep has taken 66 wickets in 21 matches. His average of 30.37 shows there’s still room to grow, but he’s heading in the right direction. His recent time in England could make him a useful weapon for India in the Test series.

3. Karun Nair

Karun Nair is best remembered for his unbeaten triple century against England in 2016 a rare and special achievement. Since then, he hasn’t played many Tests, but he’s kept working hard in domestic cricket. In the 2024–25 Ranji Trophy, he scored over 700 runs at an average of 58.33, including three hundreds. He’s also played well for India A and recently had a solid stint in county cricket, where he looked confident and handled swing bowling nicely. Karun has experience, patience, and the ability to play long innings qualities that can help on a tough tour like this one.

As Indian cricket going to start a new Test era, it’s important to give chances to players who are in form, have the right platform, and know how to perform in different conditions. Sai Sudharsan, Arshdeep Singh, and Karun Nair are ready to show their skills and performance in the India vs England test series in 2025.

Chief selector Ajit Agarkar said that Jasprit Bumrah might not play all five Test matches on the England tour, which starts on June 20. Bumrah had recently led the Indian team when Rohit Sharma was not available, but this time, he has not been named captain. Instead, Shubman Gill will lead the side, with Rishabh Pant as the vice-captain.

Agarkar explained that the main reason behind this decision is to manage Bumrah’s workload. Since Bumrah has had injury issues in the past, the team doesn’t want to take any risks by making him play every game. To give the team more options, left-arm fast bowler Arshdeep Singh has been added to the squad.

“Arshdeep is a quality bowler. He’s played county cricket, does well in domestic matches, and can swing the new ball. He’s tall and has done well in red-ball cricket over the last few years. Since Bumrah may not play all the matches, we wanted a bit of variety in the attack,” Agarkar said during the press conference.

ALSO READ: ENG vs IND: 5 Indian players to watch out for england series

Agarkar also spoke about why Karun Nair was picked over Sarfaraz Khan. Even though Sarfaraz scored a century in his debut Test, he hasn’t performed well since then. With Virat Kohli missing the tour, the team needed someone experienced in the middle order. Karun has been in good form recently and has played Test and county cricket as well.

“Sometimes, you have to make tough choices. Sarfaraz got a hundred in his first Test, but didn’t score much after that. Karun has scored a lot of runs in domestic cricket and has experience. With Virat not in the squad, we felt Karun’s experience would be helpful,” Agarkar explained.

According to recent reports, Team India might leave out experienced fast bowler Mohammed Shami from the squad for the upcoming Test series against England. The final team will likely be announced on Saturday, and Shami could miss out due to fitness concerns.

As reported by Express Sports, Shami hasn’t fully recovered after his surgery and hasn’t passed the fitness tests set by the BCCI’s medical team. The selectors are unsure if he can bowl long spells, especially in tough English conditions.

🚨 INDIAN TEST TEAM UPDATE 🚨

- Arshdeep Singh or Anshul Kamboj likely to be picked for the five-match Test series against England. [Devendra Pandey from Express Sports] pic.twitter.com/KOSfY2Sjyo

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) May 23, 2025

With Jasprit Bumrah also likely to be rested for at least one match to manage his workload, the team wants fast bowlers who are fully fit and can play all five Tests if needed. Because of this, the selectors are looking at some fresh names. Shami’s poor performance in the recent IPL, where he took only six wickets in nine matches for Sunrisers Hyderabad and had a high economy rate of 11.23, also works against him.

ALSO READ: IPL 2025: RCB vs SRH Match 65 - A Head to Head breakdown

In contrast, young pacers Arshdeep Singh and Anshul Kamboj have caught the eye with their strong performances in domestic cricket. Arshdeep, a left-arm bowler known for swinging the ball both ways, could be a real threat in English conditions. Meanwhile, Kamboj has been impressive in the Ranji Trophy, taking 34 wickets in just 12 innings with his consistent line and length. If picked, this will be the first time both Arshdeep and Kamboj feature in India’s Test squad a big opportunity for the rising talents.

In a recent on-air revelation on Star Sports, the Delhi Ranji coach, Sarandeep Singh, revealed an interesting chat he had with batting great Virat Kohli about preparations for the upcoming England Test series. The coach stated that he had advised Kohli to play county cricket to get used to English conditions before the high-profile tour. Kohli, however, had something else in mind.

The coach reportedly quoted Kohli as having assured him with a firm answer, "I'll play 2 India A matches in England," accompanied by an emphasis of purpose, "I want to score 4-5 centuries in the England series, like in 2018." Kohli also cherished his home assignment for Delhi for the Ranji Trophy in 2018 before one of his best overseas series performances. The veteran batter has often emphasized the value of match practice and building rhythm in competitive settings, and this approach appears no different.

Kohli’s preference for India A match over county cricket underlines his belief in structured preparation with the national setup. The India Matches will be conducted in similar conditions and structures to the actual Test series so that Kohli can sharpen his game with the same coaching staff and match-day routines he'll get during the England Tests. His attitude and mental work are both as sharp as ever, even as he possibly moves toward the twilight of his career. 

Kohli's Roadmap to Retirement and Final Goals 

Outside of the immediate plans, the coach also spoke about Kohli’s long-term vision and added that the former captain has alluded to having already privately considered the prospect of retirement. While no timeline has been set, Kohli has expressed a desire to finish on his own terms—ideally after one more strong overseas tour and a possible ICC title. The England series could be among his final major overseas tests, and he is determined to leave a lasting legacy.

Also Read: List of matches Virat Kohli will play till ODI World Cup 2027

Fans and pundits too cannot wait to see if Virat Kohli can repeat the 2018 heroics of England again. If his actions and preparation are any indication, the 2025 series may be another page of gold from the Virat Kohli book of legend.