Batting great Sachin Tendulkar praised India's outstanding start to the first Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy outing against England at Headingley, Leeds, and in doing so he reminiscised some great memories from 2002, which occurred at the same venue.
India's new Test captain Shubman Gill would look back and see losing the toss to England captain Ben Stokes as a blessing in disguise. At toss Gill mentioned that he too would have bowled first had he won it. However, what happened next was not anticipated as England's decision to bowl first completely backfired. Openers KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal contributed 91 for the first wicket.
“A solid foundation laid by KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal enabled India to have a good day,” wrote Tendulkar on X.
Also Read: Captain Shubman Gill steps into Virat Kohli’s shoes, hits sublime hundred
Jaiswal and Gill anchored and increased the momentum in the second session after Rahul departed right before lunch. The southpaw initially achieved his fifth Test century and a first in England in his first innings. Then, in his 32-match career, captain Gill achieved his first Test hundred outside of Asia. Additionally, Gill became just the fifth Indian to reach 100 runs in his first Test as captain. India finished the day at 359 for three, with captain Gill and his deputy Rishabh Pant undefeated, in a start reminiscent of the Headingley Test in 2002.
“Congratulations to Yashasvi and Shubman Gill for their brilliant centuries. Rishabh Pant’s contribution was equally important for the team. India’s batting today reminded me of the Headingley Test in 2002, when Rahul (Dravid), Sourav Ganguly, and I scored hundreds in the first innings, and we went on to win the Test. Today, Yashasvi and Shubman have done their part. Who will be the third centurion this time?,” Tendulkar wondered.
A solid foundation laid by @klrahul and @ybj_19 enabled India to have a good day. Congratulations to Yashasvi and @ShubmanGill for their brilliant centuries. @RishabhPant17’s contribution was equally important for the team.India’s batting today reminded me of the Headingley…
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) June 20, 2025
When he chose to bat first at the toss in the face of icy conditions that tested the Indian top order, Ganguly, the captain at the time, was eager to note that the situation was very different. Led by No. 3 Rahul Dravid's century (148) on the first day, Tendulkar (193) and Ganguly (127) paid off on the following days as India amassed a massive 628/8 (declared) before inflicting an innings defeat on the hosts.
Ganguly responded to Tendulkar on X by predicting a fourth century, expressing hope that Pant and comeback man Karun Nair, would also reach the three-figure mark under better conditions.
“Hi Champ..This time it could be 4 (hundreds) on this good surface. Pant and maybe Karun. The surface on day 1 in 2002 was a bit different than this,” remarked Ganguly.
Hi Champ .. this time it could be 4 .. on this good surface .. pant and may be karun .. the surface on day 1 in 2002 .. was a bit different then this ..— Sourav Ganguly (@SGanguly99) June 20, 2025
When India takes on Stokes and company on Saturday, they would hope that everything goes smoothly once more.
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