Kapil Dev has admitted that the news of the Pataudi Trophy being retired and being replaced by the Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy “felt a little strange” while stating that the main thing is what happens on the cricket field. The renaming of the trophy has led to some strong reactions with many either criticising the move altogether or the choice of the two names, contending that Sachin Tendulkar and James Anderson can’t really be called players who competed against each other in the same era.
“Cricket is cricket. What happens on the ground should be good. The rest you can keep changing, it did feel a little strange when it happened. I did think, does this happen as well? But it’s ok, everything goes in cricket,” Kapil told PTI.
The trophy was commissioned in 2007 by the Marylebone Cricket Club to celebrate the 75th anniversary of India’s first Test match in 1932. It was named after the Pataudi family – Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi remains the only cricketer to have represented both England and India in Test matches, eventually captaining the latter. His son Mansoor Ali Khan “Tiger” Pataudi is considered one the most iconic former Indian captains.
No expectations, just express yourself: Kapil’s advice for Team India in England
Kapil also said that he doesn’t want to keep any expectations from the Indian team that is set to tour England for a five-match Test series, which starts on June 20. “I just don’t have any expectations, just go, play express yourself. That is more important,” he said. Kapil is one just three Indian captains to have led the side to victory in a series against England away from home. He was captain of the 1986 squad that won a three-match series 2-0.
It is a baptism by fire new India captain Shubman Gill, who took over from the retiring Rohit Sharma only last month. With Virat Kohli retiring soon thereafter and Ravichandran Ashwin hanging up his boots earlier in the year, Gill is leading a relatively inexperienced Indian team in the country.