Kapil Dev on the renaming: ‘Does this also happen?’
Speaking on the sidelines of an event organised by Three Sixty to mark the 42nd anniversary of his iconic 175* at Tunbridge Wells during the 1983 World Cup, Kapil Dev reacted strongly to the England and Wales Cricket Board’s (ECB) recent decision to rename the Pataudi Trophy.
“It feels a little strange… like, does this also happen? But that’s okay, everything works in cricket. At the end of the day, there is no difference. Cricket is cricket. The cricket on the field should be the same.”
The ECB’s move to rechristen the trophy—originally named in honour of Indian cricket legend Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi—as the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy has drawn criticism from several quarters, including former players and administrators. The trophy, awarded to the winner of Test series played in England between India and England, was instituted in 2007.
A legacy disrupted
The Pataudi name holds a deeply symbolic place in the cricketing history between India and England. Both Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi and his son, Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi, captained India and had notable careers in English county cricket. Many in the cricket fraternity view the renaming as a dilution of this rich historical connection.
While the ECB has stood by its decision, it has made a concession by retaining the Pataudi Medal for Excellence—an individual honour that will continue to be awarded to the series-winning captain.
Tendulkar and Shah opposed change
Reports indicate that even Sachin Tendulkar, one of the new namesakes of the rebranded trophy, was not in favour of the change. ICC Chairman Jay Shah is also said to have attempted to persuade the ECB to reverse the decision, albeit unsuccessfully.
India’s new era in Test cricket
The renaming controversy coincides with the start of a new era for Indian Test cricket. As Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli step away from the format, young Shubman Gill is expected to play a central role in shaping the team’s future. Kapil Dev had a word of advice for the 25-year-old:
“There are no expectations. Just go, play, express yourself. That’s more important.”
India will begin their five-Test series in England on June 20 at Headingley, Leeds, aiming to win their first Test series in England since 2007.
A historic moment remembered
June 18 also marked 42 years since Kapil’s legendary innings of 175* against Zimbabwe in the 1983 World Cup, a knock that rescued India from 17 for 5 and laid the foundation for their first World Cup title. That unforgettable innings remains etched in cricketing history—not just for its heroics, but for its defining impact on Indian cricket’s global journey.
