The much-anticipated Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy kicked off at Headingley, Leeds, on June 20, 2025, with India facing England in the first of a five-match Test series. Under the leadership of new captain Shubman Gill, India aimed to make a bold statement in a new era of Indian cricket, following the retirements of stalwarts Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravichandran Ashwin. However, the opening session of Day 1 was a rollercoaster, as India’s promising start was derailed by a dramatic double blow just before lunch, leaving fans stunned and social media buzzing.
A Solid Foundation Shaken by Late Drama
India, sent in to bat first by England captain Ben Stokes, began with confidence. Openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul showcased disciplined batting, navigating the swing and seam offered by the Headingley pitch under overcast skies. Their 91-run opening partnership was a masterclass in patience, with Rahul’s elegant cover drives and Jaiswal’s resolute defense frustrating England’s pace attack, which lacked the menace of retired legends James Anderson and Stuart Broad.
The duo’s approach was textbook Test cricket: leaving balls outside off, capitalizing on loose deliveries, and building a steady platform. Rahul, in particular, looked in sublime touch, racing to 42 off 78 balls with eight boundaries, while Jaiswal remained unbeaten on 42 off 74. As India cruised to 91/0 with just minutes to go before lunch, fans were optimistic about a dominant session.
But cricket, as it often does, had other plans. In the 25th over, Brydon Carse struck a crucial blow, tempting Rahul into a rare loose drive outside off-stump. The ball took a thick edge, and Joe Root pouched a sharp catch at first slip. Rahul’s dismissal for 42, just eight runs shy of a well-deserved fifty, silenced the Indian dressing room and sparked hope for England.
Sai Sudharsan’s Dream Debut Turns Nightmare
The bigger shock came in the very next over, as debutant Sai Sudharsan walked to the crease at No. 3, a position once graced by Indian greats like Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, and Virat Kohli. The 23-year-old left-hander, handed his Test cap by Cheteshwar Pujara in a heartfelt pre-match ceremony, carried the weight of immense expectations. Fresh off topping the IPL 2025 run charts and earning his maiden Test call-up, Sudharsan was seen as a cornerstone of India’s new-look batting lineup.
However, his Test debut lasted just four balls. Facing a fiery Ben Stokes, Sudharsan survived a close LBW appeal off his first delivery from Carse, which replays suggested was bat-first. But Stokes, sensing the debutant’s nerves, set a clever trap. With a leg slip and short fine leg in place, Stokes bowled a tempting half-volley down the leg side. Sudharsan, eager to get off the mark, went for a flick but managed only a faint edge, brilliantly caught by wicketkeeper Jamie Smith diving to his right. The youngster punched his bat in frustration as he trudged off for a four-ball duck, leaving India at 92/2 at lunch.
England’s Tactical Brilliance Steals Momentum
England’s late strikes shifted the session’s momentum. Stokes’ captaincy was pivotal, as he exploited Sudharsan’s inexperience with precise field placements and a well-executed leg-side trap. Carse, too, deserves credit for breaking the opening stand, finishing the session with figures of 1/23, while Stokes claimed 1/20. The hosts, who had toiled for most of the session, walked off with renewed energy, having turned a potential 91/0 into 92/2 in just six deliveries.
The Headingley pitch, historically known for assisting bowlers early, lived up to its reputation. Despite a drier English summer making it more batter-friendly, the overcast conditions and a tinge of green on the surface offered enough for England’s bowlers to stay in the game. Stokes’ decision to bowl first, backed by his own bowling nous, paid dividends at the crucial juncture.
Fan Reactions and Expert Insights
The twin dismissals sparked a frenzy on social media. Fans expressed disappointment over Sudharsan’s duck, with some questioning his selection over domestic stalwarts like Abhimanyu Easwaran. “Easwaran should have been given a chance instead of Sai Sudharsan,” posted X user @ManashK81324970. Others, however, urged patience, with @crictale_16 tweeting, “DON’T WORRY SAI SUDHARSAN WE BELIEVE IN YOU.” Former cricketer Cheteshwar Pujara defended the debutant, saying, “It was a bit unfortunate—getting caught down the leg side. He’s a confident player, and we shouldn’t criticize him harshly.” Sunil Gavaskar echoed this sentiment, noting that Sudharsan’s nerves were understandable on such a big stage.
KL Rahul’s dismissal also drew reactions, with fans lamenting his missed opportunity for a fifty. “KL Rahul, you’ve got blood on your hands for this,” tweeted @NikkBatra, reflecting the frustration of seeing a set batter fall to a loose shot. Yet, Ravi Shastri, commentating for Sky Sports, called it a “shared session,” highlighting India’s strong start despite the late setbacks.
India’s Road Ahead
As the second session began, Yashasvi Jaiswal (42*) and captain Shubman Gill (1*) faced the task of rebuilding. Gill, batting at No. 4—a position long occupied by Virat Kohli—has a chance to stamp his authority as both a batter and leader. With Rishabh Pant, Karun Nair (returning after eight years), and Ravindra Jadeja to follow, India’s middle order has the firepower to recover, but the pressure is on to counter England’s buoyant bowling attack.
The series, renamed the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy to honor two cricketing legends, marks a new chapter for both teams. For India, it’s a test of their young brigade’s mettle in challenging English conditions. For England, it’s an opportunity to assert home dominance with their “Bazball” approach, despite a relatively inexperienced bowling unit.
Key Takeaways
- India’s Strong Start: Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul’s 91-run stand showcased India’s batting depth, but late lapses cost them a wicketless session.
- Sai Sudharsan’s Setback: The debutant’s duck highlighted the brutal demands of Test cricket, especially in England’s swinging conditions.
- England’s Fightback: Ben Stokes’ tactical acumen and Brydon Carse’s persistence turned the tide, giving England a foothold.
- What’s Next: With Jaiswal nearing a fifty and Gill at the crease, India will aim to stabilize and push for a big first-innings total.
As the Headingley Test unfolds, India will look to their young captain and in-form opener to steady the ship. For Sai Sudharsan, the second innings offers a chance at redemption. One thing is certain: this Test series is off to a gripping start, and cricket fans worldwide are in for a treat.
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Last Updated on: Friday, June 20, 2025 6:45 pm by R Sampath Kumar | Published by: R Sampath Kumar on Friday, June 20, 2025 6:45 pm | News Categories: Sports
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