Wednesday, the renowned Kapil Dev confessed that he was taken aback by the choice to change the name of the Pataudi Trophy to the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, describing it as "weird." In honor of the two legends of the game, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), which was responsible for the Pataudi Trophy—given to the victor of the Test series between England and India—renamed it the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.

The Patudi Trophy, which is named after the famous Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi, was established in 2007 as the prize for the Test series victor in England. The name Patudi is closely related to the cricket scene between India and England. In England, Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi led India and competed in county cricket, while his son Mansur did the same.

The decision was met with a strong reaction from Kapil, who was speaking on the sidelines of a Three Sixty event celebrating his legendary undefeated 175 from the 1983 World Cup match against Zimbabwe in Tunbridge Wells.

"Does this also occur? It's a little weird." However, everything works in cricket, so it's alright. Ultimately, there is no distinction. Cricket is cricket. "The cricket on the pitch should be the same," he stated.

With sources claiming that even ICC chairman Jay Shah and Sachin Tendulkar tried to persuade the ECB to change its mind, the ECB's move was met with broad condemnation. Nevertheless, the England board has maintained the Pataudi Medal for Excellence, a personal accolade established to honor the legacy of the former Indian captain, which will be given to the series' winning captain.

For Indian Test cricket, the series will mark the start of a new era. Last month, seasoned players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma declared their retirement, leaving the squad in the hands of newcomer Shubman Gill.

Kapil urged the 25-year-old to express himself.

"There are no expectations. Just go, play, express yourself. Kapil stated, "That's more important."

Leeds will host the first of the five games in the series on June 20. India will be looking for their first Test series victory in England since 2007.

Read Also: England Star: India’s Test Hopes Hit Hard Without Kohli, Rohit as Shubman Gill Takes the Helm
Get the latest Bollywood entertainment news, trending celebrity news, latest celebrity news, new movie reviews, latest entertainment news, latest Bollywood news, and Bollywood celebrity fashion & style updates!