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Former India opener Navjot Singh Sidhu believes Shubman Gill-led India’s win at The Oval is a fitting tribute to recently-retired Test stars Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravichandran Ashwin.
"This was a crucial win for India. It reflects that a team has risen, it reflects that the days are gone when you are dependent on just one player or two players are spoken about. This is a tribute to Virat Kohli. I miss his energy today as well. This is a tribute to Rohit Sharma, Ravichandran Ashwin, and all those guys who have inspired this team," he said on his YouTube channel.
Throughout the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025, several Indian players made valuable contributions with both bat and ball. On the batting front, captain Gill, the experienced KL Rahul, and world No. 1 all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja stood tall, each scoring over 500 runs across the five-Test series.
Rishabh Pant, who missed the Oval Test due to a fractured toe, also showcased his commitment. In the Manchester Test, he came out to bat, battling pain, adding 17 crucial runs to his overnight tally in the first innings. His effort reflected the determination and fighting spirit of the Indian dressing room.
And, on the bowling front, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, Jasprit Bumrah and the Mohammed Siraj, have done exceptionally well, bowling long spells on pitches that favoured batters for a better part of the series.
Sidhu’s huge compliment
The 61-year-old also noted that India winning Test matches even without Jasprit Bumrah is a huge compliment to the team. He praised other bowlers for not only stepping up but also learning from Bumrah.
"Winning both the Test matches without Bumrah is also a compliment to this team. His disciples are learning from him and are almost equal to him. It is tough to equal him, but they are winning the team matches. It is time to celebrate the Indian cricket team," he added.
Sidhu notes England doffing their hat to Team India
In addition, Sidhu said that even the England team also praised the visitors for the grit and determination displayed in the series. India were almost down and out of the game, but they didn't stop believing in making a comeback.
At one point in the Oval Test, Harry Brook and Joe Root were cruising towards victory, but India struck back with crucial wickets on Day 4, dragging the match into a tense final day. England needed just 35 runs to win the series with four wickets in hand, but Siraj went berserk, claiming three wickets in the morning session, and sealing a thrilling six-run victory for India.
"In the end when India won, even the whole of England were greeting them. When you do something that the world believes you can't, then understand that a miracle has happened. When the Indian team left, no one thought they would draw the series," he said.
Siraj finished as the highest wicket-taker of the series, claiming 23 wickets. Prasidh Krishna and Akash Deep played the supporting role with 14 and 13 wickets respectively. Bumrah also bagged 14 wickets in the three Tests he played.
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