Sachin Tendulkar’s perfect analysis of an epic Test series
Cricket legend, Sachin Tendulkar, gives his thoughts on India’s 2-2 draw with England. His insights are spot-on.
Siraj’s Fighting Spirit
Mohammed Siraj was the top wicket-taker in the series. He took 23 wickets. His average was 32.43. He bowled over 1,100 balls across five Tests.
Tendulkar loved what he saw. “Unbelievable. Superb approach. I love his attitude. I love the spring in his steps.”
Siraj never shows if he’s doing well or badly. His body language stays the same. He always looks ready to fight.
“A fast bowler is always in your face like that. No batter likes it,” Tendulkar said. Even great batters like Joe Root don’t want to face him. They prefer quieter bowlers. Siraj is always challenging you.
His fitness impressed Tendulkar most. “He bowled over 1000 deliveries in the series. I could hear commentators say he bowled 90 mph on the final day.”
When a fast bowler bowls 1000+ balls and still hits 90 mph at the end, that shows heart. That shows character.
His final day performance at The Oval was special. His yorker dismissed Gus Atkinson. It sealed the victory. Tendulkar had predicted something great from him.
Gill’s Leadership Under Pressure
Gill faced huge pressure as new captain. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli had retired. Key bowlers were missing. The odds were against India.
Tendulkar noticed something important about Gill’s batting. “The most important thing was the respect for a good ball. He was able to defend on the front foot. It was solid. His shot selection was precise.”
This smart approach set Gill apart from other young batsmen. His 754 runs at 75.4 average proved it. Two big innings in the second Test showed his class.
Tendulkar also praised Gill’s captaincy under pressure. “Gill looked calm and composed. When partnerships build, it becomes tough for any captain. Gill controlled the team and the game well.”
The batting legend suggested a different approach might work. “When you play England, you can afford to play boring cricket. If you slow things down, they will accelerate harder. This could work for the fielding side sometimes.”
Defending Bumrah’s Reputation
Critics questioned Bumrah’s availability. Some said India played better without him. Tendulkar dismissed these claims.
“People discuss many things. They say India won Tests he didn’t play. To me that’s just coincidence,” he stated clearly.
Tendulkar emphasized Bumrah’s quality when available. “Bumrah started really well. He got five wickets in the first Test. In the third and fourth Tests at Lord’s he got 5 wickets again.”
The verdict was clear. “Out of 3 Tests he played, he picked five wickets twice. The quality of Bumrah is exceptional. I would put him right at the top with anyone else.”
Pant’s Heroic Return
Rishabh Pant’s comeback story amazed everyone. He broke his foot at Old Trafford. He returned when the team needed him most.
Tendulkar appreciated Pant’s unique style. “There is no dull moment when he is batting. I enjoyed his batting. Especially the sweep shot. He tries to get under the ball to scoop it.”
The technique fascinated Tendulkar. “People think he falls while playing the shot. But it is intentional. The secret is to get under the ball. The plan is to fall. It is not being off-balance.”
Pant’s character shone through his injury. “He has figured out his game. He used his experience brilliantly. He broke his foot at Old Trafford. But he was there for the team when they needed him.”
Supporting Cast Delivers
KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal provided solid opening partnerships. Rahul’s experience balanced Jaiswal’s fearless approach. Their combinations gave India good starts repeatedly.
The opening pair faced England’s aggressive pace attack. They handled early pressure consistently. Middle-order batsmen benefited from their hard work.
A Series for the Ages
The Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy lived up to expectations. All five matches went to the final day. Most games extended deep into the final sessions.
Tendulkar summarized perfectly: “All in all, a fantastic result. 2-2. Things could’ve been different but there are no ifs and buts in cricket.”
The series showed Test cricket’s lasting appeal. Young leaders like Gill learned under fire. Warriors like Siraj refused to give up. Veterans like Pant showed true character.
Tendulkar’s analysis captures why this series matters. His insights validate every thrilling moment. The Master Blaster’s cricket knowledge remains unmatched.
Test cricket proved its importance once again. The Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy will be remembered as a modern classic. Every fan witnessed something special across five unforgettable matches.
