Ind vs Eng Tests: Former India head coach backs controversial decision to rename Pataudi trophy

England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has drawn flak for its decision to rename the Pataudi Trophy to the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy for the Test series between the two countries.

Several former cricketers, fans, and the family of Pataudi were unhappy with the call, terming it an attempt to end the legacy of great cricketers.

Even the great Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar wrote to ECB over the matter eventually ensuring that  the Pataudi name remained connected to the famous rivalry, with the winning captain of the assignment set to get a Pataudi medal.

However, former India all-rounder and head coach Ravi Shastri backed ECB’s decision to rename Pataudi trophy to Anderson-Tendulkar trophy.

"You have to evolve with time. Sachin Tendulkar played cricket for 24 years. James Anderson took more than 700 Test wickets in his career. I am glad that they haven’t taken Pataudi out of the contest. The medal will be presented to the winning captain," said Shastri.

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Notably, Sachin and Anderson inaugurated the new trophy on June 19, a day before the start of the series.

India have made a strong start in the first innings of the ongoing first Test at Leeds with Captain Shubman Gill, vice-captain Rishabh Pant and left-handed opener Yashasvi Jaiswal scoring centuries.