New Delhi: As the curtains fell on the gripping Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy with a 2-2 draw, former Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly lauded the leadership of Shubman Gill and the tactical brilliance of coach Gautam Gambhir, calling it a watershed moment for Indian cricket post the senior era.
The five-match Test series, which kept fans on the edge from Leeds to the Oval, ended with India clinching a memorable six-run win in the final match. The result not only evened the series but also showcased the resilience of a youthful Indian side navigating new leadership.
“This is the first time since the early 2000s that we've seen such a complete effort on English soil,” Ganguly said, recalling the formidable series of 2002 and 2007. “To see all top-order batters stepping up in challenging conditions is rare and commendable.”
Ganguly particularly reserved praise for Shubman Gill, who captained India with a poise that belied his age and experience. “He didn’t look like a first-time captain at all. His composure under pressure and contribution with the bat were outstanding,” Ganguly noted.
Coach Gautam Gambhir, a former opening partner of Ganguly’s golden era, was also singled out for guiding the young squad through one of their toughest away assignments. “Gautam’s aggressive mindset and tactical acumen clearly reflected in India’s approach. He deserves as much credit as the players.”
With the English chapter closed, India is now gearing up for their home Test series against the West Indies and South Africa scheduled for October and November. It will also mark Gill’s first series leading the team on Indian soil, a new chapter Ganguly believes could be crucial for shaping India’s next generation of cricketing stalwarts.