NEW DELHI: The 2025 Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy (ATT) concluded with high drama at the Oval as India edged England by six runs on the fifth day of the final Test to level the series 2-2. Mohammed Siraj’s five-wicket haul sealed a famous victory, but when the dust settled, it was Shubman Gill and Harry Brook who walked away with the coveted Player of the Series (POTS) awards — leaving stars like Siraj, Joe Root, Ravindra Jadeja, and Ben Stokes empty-handed.
Why Two Player of the Series Awards Were Given
Unlike many international series, England’s long-standing tradition in Test cricket is to award a Player of the Series to one player from each team. The selection is made by the opposition coach, not by a public vote or panel of commentators.
For the ATT 2025:
- Harry Brook received the honour for England, chosen by India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir.
- Shubman Gill was awarded for India, selected by England’s head coach Brendon McCullum.
Gill and Brook’s Standout Performances
- Shubman Gill – India’s captain led from the front with a record-breaking tally of 754 runs in five Tests at an average of 75.40, smashing four centuries. His consistency was pivotal in keeping India in the contest throughout the series.
- Harry Brook – England’s aggressive middle-order batter scored 481 runs at an average of 53.44, including two centuries, providing crucial stability and momentum in tight situations.
Why Siraj and Others Missed Out
While Siraj’s match-winning performance in the final Test was instrumental, the Player of the Series award reflects contributions across all five matches. Gill’s sustained dominance with the bat and Brook’s consistent impact tipped the scales in their favour. Root, Jadeja, and Stokes all had moments of brilliance, but none matched the series-long influence of the two winners.
A New Era for the Historic Rivalry
This was the first-ever Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy following the rebranding of the historic India-England Test series. Previously, the contests alternated between the Pataudi Trophy (in England) and the Anthony de Mello Trophy (in India). Both were retired in honour of legends Sachin Tendulkar and James Anderson, as announced by the BCCI and ECB.
The 2025 edition not only produced gripping cricket — with all five Tests stretching into the fifth day — but also set the tone for a new chapter in one of cricket’s most enduring rivalries.
