IND vs ENG: Sachin Tendulkar’s Masterclass on Batting in England for India’s Young Guns
In a riveting start to the much-anticipated Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar has stepped forward with pearls of wisdom for India’s young batting lineup as they gear up for the five-match Test series against England, beginning at Headingley, Leeds. With a transitional Indian side under the leadership of Shubman Gill, Tendulkar’s insights could prove to be the cornerstone for success in the often unforgiving English conditions.
India’s batting unit is in a phase of flux following the retirements of stalwarts like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and R Ashwin over the past six months. The top order, featuring promising talents such as Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sai Sudharsan, and Karun Nair, will face their first Test in England, a challenge compounded by the swinging Dukes ball and overcast skies. Only Nair and the seasoned KL Rahul boast Test averages above 40 on English soil, per ESPNcricinfo stats.
During a virtual media interaction, Tendulkar assessed the readiness of this inexperienced lineup. ‘Yashasvi has traveled extensively, facing tough bowling attacks in South Africa and Australia. Despite being new to England, he’s got exposure,’ he remarked. On Sudharsan, Tendulkar noted, ‘I’ve seen him bat; his technique looks impressive and well-suited for these conditions.’ He also highlighted Gill’s growing experience and Nair’s stint in County Cricket, which adds a layer of familiarity with English pitches.
Tendulkar’s primary advice revolved around a session-by-session approach. ‘Not every session will be smooth. There will be rocky patches in a long series like this. The focus should be on winning sessions—hour by hour, day by day. Build on a solid foundation and ensure that when you’re dominant, the opposition pays a heavy price,’ he emphasized. He underscored the importance of the first Test at Headingley, stating, ‘A strong start here can define the series. We could build something memorable, something to cherish 20 years down the line.’
India will also confront England’s aggressive ‘Bazball’ philosophy, a brainchild of coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes. Tendulkar, however, urged the team to focus on their own game. ‘England has their style, and we must stick to ours. Don’t be overawed by their approach. Adapt to what suits our combination,’ he advised. Reflecting on evolving batting trends, he recalled how Andy Flower’s reverse sweep against Indian spinners in 2000 seemed revolutionary, and how his own sweeps against Shane Warne were once deemed ‘dangerous’. ‘It’s all about practice and comfort with your shots,’ he added.
On a nostalgic note, Tendulkar spoke about the honor of having the series named the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. Informed of this recognition while traveling in Spain a month ago, he expressed gratitude but also ensured a tribute to history by advocating for a Pataudi Medal for Excellence—honoring Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi—to be awarded to the winning captain, a gesture finalized after discussions with the BCCI, ECB, and ICC Chairman Jay Shah.
Tendulkar also paid homage to Jimmy Anderson, whose staggering 704 Test wickets in 188 matches cemented his legacy as one of cricket’s greatest fast bowlers. ‘I first heard of Jimmy through Nasser Hussain in 2003. Even then, no one foresaw such a phenomenal career. His discipline, grit, and ability to evolve—especially with subtle variations in wrist position and reverse swing—made him unreadable,’ Tendulkar reminisced.
As India prepares to navigate the twin challenges of English conditions and England’s aggressive tactics, Tendulkar’s parting words resonate with hope. ‘Cricket is about owning the space. If our approach—be it cautious or bold—allows us to put pressure on the opposition, that’s what counts.’ With this masterclass of advice, the young Indian side has a guiding light as they aim to carve their own legacy in this historic series.