Former India batter Vinod Kambli’s life has often been described as a tale of “riches to rags.” Once hailed as the future of Indian cricket, Kambli’s career faded due to an undisciplined lifestyle and poor health choices. In December last year, he was hospitalized at Akruti Hospital in Thane for a urinary infection and cramps, sparking public concern and financial support offers from prominent figures. Kambli, a close childhood friend of Sachin Tendulkar, represented India in 104 ODIs and 17 Tests, yet his talent never fully translated into a long international career.

Recently, a remarkable story about Kambli and Tendulkar surfaced from their early cricketing days in England, shared by Solly Adams—who helped arrange Sachin's Yorkshire contract in 1992. At the time, Kambli was already playing for a local club and had made quite a name for himself. In a conversation with The Indian Express, Adams revealed that Kambli once turned down a part-time job despite earning just £25 per match, citing his focus on playing Test cricket for India.

“One day we were sitting, 10 cricketers. All of them had part-time jobs except for Vinod and Sachin,” Adams said. “So a cricketer from Mumbai asked Vinod, ‘Since you only earn 25 pound a match, why don’t you work at one of Solly’s places?’ Kambli didn’t think for a minute; pat came his reply: ‘I and Sachin will make money playing Test cricket; I don’t want to divert my attention doing part-time jobs.’ That was exceptional—what confidence. He was very young, far from being a Test batsman, but he had the confidence.”

Kambli’s Bold Personality and Raw Talent Remembered

Adams added, “Vinod, when he returned to India, took all the money from his father and spent it with his friends... Vinod never cared about money, nor did he have any respect for commodities.” His carefree attitude might have cost him stability, but it also underscored his singular focus on the game—at least during his early years.

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Kambli's other friend, Nasa Hussain, also spoke about his incredible batting talent. “As a South Asian, Sachin joining Yorkshire was big news. I’ll tell you what was better—he brought along with him his friend Vinod Kambli, who played in our league. I’ve never ever met a person who hits the ball as hard as he used to,” he said. “He just ran down the track and hit the first ball for six, and you think, ‘well okay.’ Young man from India, never seen before, never heard of before, and he just comes and smashes it. Subsequently, he went on to score two double-hundreds against England. That was some talent. In today’s day and age, that guy would have been a multi-millionaire.”

June 29 was especially marked for one of the milestones touched by Sachin Tendulkar. In 2007, when India was facing South Africa at Belfast for the Future Cup, Sachin completed fifteen thousand individual runs. 

18 years ago, when Rahul Dravid was the captain of India and South Africa was led by Jacques Kallis, Sachin Tendulkar helped his nation to achieve a win but missed a hundred by only some distance. Batting first, South Africa scored 226 runs in 50 overs in exchange for 6 wickets. Yuvraj Singh's 9 overs turned one of the crucial points of the match, as he bagged 3 scalps with only a 4.00 economy rate. Zaheer Khan and RP Singh took one wicket each. 

South Africa found themselves in trouble from the beginning of their innings. Within 6 overs they lost the wickets of AB de Villiers (0) and Jacques Kallis (2). Opener Morne van Wyk and Jean-Paul Duminy, and Mark Boucher came to rescue works. Morne turned out to be the toughest barrier for India to break. The player with a natural attacking mindset, the batter, scored 82 by facing 126 balls. Duminy and Boucher bagged 40 and an unbeaten 55-run innings, respectively. 

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India dominated the match from the beginning 

Unlike SA's early batting collapse, India startedon a solid note with their openers Sourav Ganguly and Sachin Tendulkar. Sourav and Sachin stitched together a 134-run opening partnership. Ganguly departed for 42, and his opening partner continued to make runs and eventually claimed the special record in his One Day International career. The legendary cricketer completed his 15,000 ODI runs by playing an Andre Nel delivery towards mid-off. He could celebrate his achievement with a grand century, but Thandi Tshabalala. The pacer bowled out Tendulkar when he was only 7 runs away from making a hundred. During the 93-run innings, Sachin smashed thirteen boundaries and a couple of massive over boundaries. 

Early departures of Rahul Dravid and MS Dhoni did not bother India too much because of Yuvraj Singh's unbeaten 49 and Dinesh Karthik's unbeaten 32-run innings. With 6 wickets and 5 balls to spare, India achieved the target score. 

Prithvi Shaw became popular at a young age when he scored a century in his first Ranji Trophy match for Mumbai. He later led India to win the Under-19 World Cup in 2018 and also scored a century on his Test debut against the West Indies. Many fans and experts believed he would be the next Sachin Tendulkar. But in recent years, things haven’t gone well for him. He hasn’t played for India since 2021 and wasn’t picked by any team in the IPL 2025 mega auction.

Shaw has been close friends with Arjun Tendulkar, Sachin’s son, for a long time. Because of this, Sachin Tendulkar has seen Shaw’s ups and downs closely. In a recent interview, Shaw shared that Sachin still supports him and believes in his talent. Sachin has advised him to stay focused and get his cricket career back on track. This support has given Shaw hope and motivation to keep going.

"Sachin sir knows about my journey. Arjun and I have been friends since we were 8-9 years old. We’ve played together, grown up together. Sir was also there sometimes. I had a word with him a little while ago too. Hardly 2 month ago. He was practicing at the MIG. And I was there too. I spoke to him then too. When things go awry and you drift away, you need that mentor, who can light a spark into you,” Shaw told News24.

He still believes in me: Prithvi Shaw

Prithvi Shaw said that Sachin Tendulkar still believes in him and told him that he will continue to do so, as he had seen him grow up. Shaw added that Sachin often encourages him to get back on the right track like before, saying that everything is possible in the next 13–14 years. Shaw mentioned that Sachin’s belief in him means a lot. Prithvi Shaw recently approached the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) to request a No Objection Certificate (NOC), expressing his interest in exploring playing opportunities with other teams. As per multiple reports, he is likely to join the Maharashtra team for the upcoming domestic cricket season.

“He still believes in me. He said 'Prithvi, I still believe in you, and I'll continue to do so'. Because he has seen me grow up. Even today, he tells me 'Sahi track pe aa ja, jaise pehle tha' (Come back on the same track as earlier). Everything is possible in the next 13-14 years. So he believes in me and that means a lot," he added.

Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar has thrown his full support behind India’s new Test captain, Shubman Gill, ahead of the five-match series against England. Tendulkar believes Gill will do “something special” and has predicted a 3-1 series win for India. Emphasizing the importance of blocking out external noise, Tendulkar advised the young skipper to focus solely on what’s happening inside the dressing room and stick to team plans. “My advice to him [Gill] would be that he should not worry about what x, y, z is saying,” Tendulkar told ESPNcricinfo.

Tendulkar further stressed that only those in the dressing room truly understand the team's vision and responsibilities. He urged Gill to enjoy the honor of leading India, remain committed, and act in the country’s best interest. “Whatever that opinion is, it's only an opinion, and it's from outside. I think what he needs to think about is what was discussed in the dressing room… I would say, just go out; it's a huge honour, enjoy the moment and give your best for the country,” Tendulkar said. Gill, who recently took over from Rohit Sharma, will also bat at No. 4—a spot held by Tendulkar and later Virat Kohli for three decades.

Discussing Gill’s elevation to the pivotal No. 4 position, Tendulkar noted it was a mark of the faith people have in him. “It is good that people believe that he is capable of fulfilling that [No. 4] responsibility,” he said. “He has to just go out and be himself, be determined, and put his best foot forward with all his commitment. I'm sure he'll do something special.” Tendulkar also shared advice on how Indian batters can handle England’s fast bowlers, stressing the need for a solid front-foot defense and close hand control.

Tendulkar’s advice to Pant and excitement for Bumrah vs Root battle

Tendulkar also had specific advice for wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant, one of the more experienced members of the squad. He urged Pant to mostly trust his instincts but to stay flexible depending on the match situation. “He [Pant] should back his instincts most of the time… but there'll be situations where he'll have to curb his game in the interests of the team,” Tendulkar said. He emphasized that while Pant’s aggressive play is an asset, there may be times he needs to dial it down for the team’s cause.

See Also: Sachin Tendulkar breaks silence on 'Pataudi Trophy' controversy ahead of ENG vs IND series

Looking back at India’s last Test series win in England in 2007, where he played a key role, Tendulkar fondly remembered the celebration at The Oval. He is now eagerly looking forward to this summer’s contest and especially the duel between Jasprit Bumrah and Joe Root. “These kinds of moments stay with you forever… I hope we're able to do something this series too,” he said. When asked about the final scoreline, Tendulkar was clear and confident: “I have settled for 3-1 to India.”

Cricket’s rich legacy added a new chapter on the eve of the 2025 England-India Test series, as legendary figures Sachin Tendulkar and James Anderson unveiled the newly instituted Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy at Headingley, Leeds. The trophy, introduced by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), will now be the official prize awarded to the winner of every Test series between the two nations.

This momentous initiative celebrates two of the game’s greatest Tendulkar, the highest run-scorer in Test history, and Anderson, the most successful fast bowler ever in the format. With etched imagery and engraved signatures of both icons, the trophy symbolises excellence, endurance, and the storied rivalry that India and England have shared across generations.

Until now, the England vs India Test series has been contested for the Pataudi Trophy (in England) and the Anthony De Mello Trophy (in India). This bifurcation has now been unified under a single honour, the Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy, making it a permanent representation of mutual respect and cricketing grandeur. To ensure the Pataudi legacy continues, a newly introduced Pataudi Medal will be awarded to the winning captain of each series going forward.

Tendulkar and Anderson honoured as a new trophy begins the England–India Test series

James Anderson, who retired earlier this year with a stunning tally of 704 Test wickets, including 149 against India in 39 matches, spoke emotionally about the recognition: “It’s a proud moment for me and my family to have this iconic series named after Sachin and me. The rivalry between our two nations has always been special, full of history, intensity and unforgettable moments.”

Tendulkar, who amassed a staggering 15,921 runs in 200 Tests, including 2,535 runs in 32 Tests against England, reflected on the deeper meaning of Test cricket: “Test cricket embodies life – you give your best, and if things go wrong, it gives you another day to regroup. I owe my foundation to Test cricket. And now, as I share this recognition with my on-field challenger and off-field gentleman James, I hope the world celebrates the essence of this great format even more.”

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BCCI President Roger Binny called the renaming “a truly momentous occasion”, stating that the trophy will not only honour individual greatness but also the intense, respectful rivalry that has defined India-England Tests. Richard Thompson, Chair of the ECB, added, “Jimmy and Sachin have given cricket fans around the world so many unforgettable moments. This trophy is a brilliant way to honour two absolute legends.”

Test Records that Define an Era

Notably, the venue for the trophy unveiling, Headingley, is etched in history as the site of Tendulkar’s highest score against England, and it will now host the opening Test of the new ICC World Test Championship cycle (2025–27).

Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy marks a fresh start for the England–India Test series

The renaming decision triggered reactions from some quarters who believed the Pataudi Trophy’s legacy was being diminished. Tendulkar responded with grace and clarity: “The decision to retire the trophy rested with the BCCI and ECB. Only after they had made the decision did they communicate that to me. I’m fully aware of the Pataudi family's contribution and respect it deeply.”

As England and India gear up for a blockbuster five-match Test series, the Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy brings renewed significance to the contest. The blend of elite competition, iconic memories, and heritage will continue to define this rivalry, now under a banner that befits the stature of its two most influential performers. This summer, a new era begins, one that honours the past, celebrates the present, and inspires the future of Test cricket.

Sachin Tendulkar has finally addressed the recent controversy surrounding the renaming of the India-England Test series trophy to the 'Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy.' The move, jointly announced by the BCCI and ECB, has replaced the long-standing 'Pataudi Trophy,' which honored the legendary Indian captain Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi. This decision sparked considerable backlash from fans and experts who felt that the legacy of Pataudi should not have been sidelined.

Speaking to RevSportz, Tendulkar revealed that the decision to retire the Pataudi Trophy was entirely that of the cricket boards. “Let me then tell you the full thing. First things first, the decision to retire the trophy rested with the BCCI and the ECB. Only after they had taken the decision did they communicate that to me,” he clarified. Tendulkar also expressed deep respect for the Pataudi family's contributions to Indian cricket, acknowledging both Pataudi senior’s and junior’s impact on the sport. “I am conscious of the contribution they have made to Indian cricket… those stories inspire us all,” he said.

Determined to ensure that the legacy was not erased, Tendulkar took personal steps to keep it alive. “That’s why I was determined to ensure that the legacy was kept intact,” he stated. He further revealed that he had conversations with the Pataudi family and followed up with discussions with ICC President Jay Shah, the BCCI, and the ECB to explore ways to honor the Pataudi legacy.

Pataudi Medal and England Connection

Thanks to Tendulkar’s efforts, a new honor—the Pataudi Medal of Excellence—will now be awarded to the winning captain of the series, preserving the Pataudi name in a different form. Tendulkar emphasized the importance of this outcome, stating, “I spoke to Mr. Jay Shah, the BCCI and the ECB, and mentioned to them that something had to be done to ensure the legacy stayed on.”

Reflecting on the naming of the trophy after himself and James Anderson, Tendulkar shared his deep personal connection with England. “Not many know that the first-ever flight that I took was also to England in 1988... My first international hundred was at Old Trafford… I was the first non-English cricketer to play for Yorkshire... my mother-in-law is English... I feel humbled that the trophy was named after Jimmy Anderson... and myself.”

Legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar has officially become the brand ambassador of popular social media website Reddit. With this tie-up, the legendary cricketer will provide his match analysis, live commentary, and personal views on the website, along with interacting with fans across age groups. This is a new direction for Tendulkar in his post-cricket life as he finds new ways to reach out to fans.

Once he joined, the Mumbai-born cricket legend started with his official handle to share his enthusiasm regarding the association. Tendulkar revealed that he is excited to engage with Indian cricket fans and other major sports enthusiasts through Reddit's live communities. He pointed out that the platform provides him an opportunity to have meaningful discussions and share his passion for sport in new, digital manners.

"For me, cricket has always been about that pure connection with people, on and off the field. In getting to know Reddit, what stands out is the sheer passion that brings its communities together. I’m especially looking forward to discovering conversations on r/IndiaCricket and r/IndianSports. It’s a unique platform where people truly share what they love. This association gives me an opportunity to connect with fans in new ways and celebrate our shared love for sports," Tendulkar said, as quoted by the Financial Express.

Reddit Welcomes the ‘Master Blaster’

Kaushik said Tendulkar's name is synonymous with cricket excellence, and he possesses a remarkable ability to transcend boundaries and unite people through his extraordinary talent. "His presence on the field fostered a powerful sense of community among fans, who were drawn together by their shared admiration for the 'Master Blaster,'" he added.

See Also: 'I would take 4-1..' - Former English legend predicts series scoreline ahead of ENG vs IND Test series

Even almost twelve years after retirement, Tendulkar is still held in high esteem as one of the greatest batters in world cricket. Still 51, he remains world cricket's highest run-scorer and the lone player to have scored 100 international centuries. A 2011 World Cup winner and a Bharat Ratna recipient, Tendulkar's service to Indian cricket is still unmatched.

Only a couple of days left before the England vs. India 5-match Test series starts on Friday at Headingley, Leeds. Team India, with a newly formed squad and a young captain in Shubman Gill, will test their mettle in the English conditions, as legends like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravichandran Ashwin announced their retirements. With multiple young faces and overseas conditions, the Indian batting line-up can face some difficulties. But there is always a ray of hope. In the past, many Indian batters displayed their skills in England and marked their talents permanently. In the list of 5 best Indian batsmen in England, Virat Kohli finds his place here also. 

Check the list here:

1) Sachin Tendulkar:

The list definitely has to start with the legend Sachin Tendulkar. He played a total of 200 Tests, including 17 Tests in England from 1990 to 2011. Tendulkar's brilliance was reflected in England through his eight 50s and four 100s. In total, Tendulkar scored 1575 runs at an average of 54.31 in 30 innings in England. In his overall career, 'Master Blaster' bagged 15,921 runs at an average of 53.78. 

2) Rahul Dravid:

No matter what the conditions were, Rahul Dravid was there as 'The Wall.' The master of defense claimed 1376 runs at an average of 68.80 in 23 innings in England from 1996 to 2011. In this duration, the classical batter got six centuries and four half-centuries there in the Whites. 

Read More: SL vs BAN: Proving critics wrong Mushfiqur Rahim smashes century after 14 innings

3) Sunil Gavaskar:

When we are talking about legends and classical cricketers of Indian cricket, then the list will remain incomplete if we skip the stats of Sunil Gavaskar. He played 16 Tests from 1971 to 1986 in England and scored 1152 runs at an average of 41.14 after playing 28 innings. During this time span in England, the legend banked two hundred and eight half-centuries. 

4) Virat Kohli:

Virat Kohli, the legend and icon of modern-day cricket, ruled the cricket fields across the globe in whites before taking retirement. From 2014 to 2023, the right-handed batter played 17 Tests in England and scored 1096 runs from 33 innings with an average of 33.21, powered by two hundreds and five half-centuries. Overall, his batting average in this format settled at 46.85 with 30 hundreds and 31 fifties.

5) Dilip Vengsarkar:

One of the most underrated talents Indian cricket has ever seen. Vengsarkar, who took his batting to a different level, played 13 Tests in England from 1979 to 1990 and scored 960 runs at an average of 48.00 in 23 innings during this time. In those 13 Test matches, he generated four hundreds and as many half-centuries to show the skills he used to possess. 

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

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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.

As the world paused to honour fatherhood on Father’s Day 2025, Indian cricketers opened up their hearts on social media, sharing emotional tributes, photos, and stories about their fathers and, for some, their journey as fathers. The heartfelt messages offered fans a rare glimpse into the deeply personal bonds that exist beyond the boundary ropes.

Sachin Tendulkar

Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar led the way with a touching message for his late father, Professor Ramesh Tendulkar, whose influence on the batting maestro’s career is well known.

Before the applause, before the centuries, there was a man with a pen and a gentle smile, believing in me before the world did. I carry his calm, his grace, and his love in every step.

Happy Father’s Day. You are missed, Baba! pic.twitter.com/Cs0iFOHNoN

— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) June 15, 2025

Tendulkar has often credited his father for instilling humility and perspective, qualities that remained constant throughout his iconic career. The post was met with an outpouring of emotion from fans and fellow cricketers alike.

Suresh Raina 

Former India all-rounder Suresh Raina celebrated the day with a warm video post.

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Suresh Raina (@sureshraina3)

The post was lighthearted and loving, much like Raina himself, and was filled with joyous glimpses of fatherhood and multigenerational bonding.

Yuvraj Singh

World Cup winner Yuvraj Singh posted a powerful image with his father, Yograj Singh, a former Indian cricketer and actor, along with a message of deep gratitude.

ALSO SEE: Steve Smith shares major update on finger injury following SA vs AUS 2025 WTC Final

Shikhar Dhawan

Shikhar Dhawan shared a heartfelt post thanking his father while also reflecting on his own role as a dad.

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Shikhar Dhawan (@shikhardofficial)

In an Instagram story, Dhawan shared a playful video featuring his son, Zoraver. The post included a caption from the child’s perspective:

Babar Azam

Pakistan captain Babar Azam also marked Father’s Day 2025 with a touching post dedicated to his late father, Azam Siddique, who was not only a guiding light in his life but also one of his earliest supporters in his cricketing journey.

Sharing a photo of his father and himself from his younger days, Babar wrote on Instagram:

Babar Azam shares a beautiful message for his father on 'Father's Day'#Cricket | #Pakistan | #BabarAzam | #Lahore | #FathersDay pic.twitter.com/HFlAvJWuU5

— Khel Shel (@khelshel) June 15, 2025