Sunil Gavaskar demands Pataudi Medal rethink: Player of Match, not captain, should win

Sunil Gavaskar has publicly challenged the England Cricket Board's decision to prioritize Anderson over Tendulkar in trophy naming, calling for the Pataudi Medal of Excellence to honor the Player of the Match instead of the winning captain. This move aims to better preserve cricketing legacies and recognize true match impact.

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Sunil Gavaskar has publicly challenged the current criteria for awarding the Pataudi Medal of Excellence, which the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) recently introduced to honor the winning captain. Gavaskar argues that the award should instead go to the Player of the Match, emphasizing individual performance over captaincy.

He also weighed in on the ongoing debate about the renaming of the Pataudi Trophy, suggesting it be called the 'Tendulkar-Anderson' Trophy rather than the 'Anderson-Tendulkar' Trophy. Gavaskar highlighted Sachin Tendulkar's cricketing legacy, noting that Tendulkar is senior to Anderson by over a decade and holds superior records in both Test and One-Day International cricket.

"Not only is Sachin Tendulkar along with the greatest Indian cricketer, but also senior to Anderson by more than a dozen years," Gavaskar said, underscoring Tendulkar's status as the highest run-scorer and century-maker in Test cricket.

The controversy reflects broader discussions about how cricket honors are awarded and the importance of recognizing individual excellence. Gavaskar's stance suggests a preference for merit-based awards that celebrate outstanding performances rather than leadership roles alone.

This debate comes amid other cricketing highlights, such as Jasprit Bumrah's impressive five-wicket haul in the Headingley Test, which drew praise from legends like Sachin Tendulkar. However, Gavaskar's focus remains on ensuring that awards like the Pataudi Medal truly reflect the best individual contributions on the field.

"Gavaskar also expressed reservations about the newly introduced Pataudi Medal of Excellence, which the ECB will award to the winning captain."
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Sunil Gavaskar has called for a rethink on the Pataudi Medal, arguing the Player of the Match, not the captain, should receive the award. He also suggested renaming the Pataudi Trophy to the 'Tendulkar-Anderson' Trophy, highlighting Sachin Tendulkar's superior cricketing achievements over Anderson.
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The Headline

Bumrah's five-for and Gavaskar's Pataudi Medal critique

Key Facts
  • Jasprit Bumrah took 5/83 in 24.4 overs during the first Test, marking his 14th five-wicket haul.1
  • Bumrah overcame three missed chances by teammates Ravindra Jadeja and Yashasvi Jaiswal during the match.1
  • This haul brought Bumrah level with Kapil Dev for the most five-wicket hauls in away Tests, totaling 12.1
  • Sunil Gavaskar criticized the England Cricket Board for naming the trophy with Anderson's name before Tendulkar's.1
  • Gavaskar emphasized Tendulkar's superior records in runs and centuries compared to Anderson, especially in one-day cricket.1
  • Gavaskar proposed the Pataudi Medal of Excellence should honor the Player of the Match rather than the winning captain.1
Gavaskar also expressed reservations about the newly introduced Pataudi Medal of Excellence, which the ECB will award to the winning captain.
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Key Stats at a Glance
Bumrah's bowling figures in the first innings
5/83
1
Overs bowled by Bumrah
24.4 overs
1
Bumrah's five-wicket hauls in away Tests
12th
1

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Background Context

Tendulkar praises Bumrah's near-historic bowling

Key Facts
  • Sachin Tendulkar congratulated Bumrah on his five-wicket haul, noting a no-ball and three missed chances prevented an even greater haul.1
Key Stats at a Glance
Missed chances during Bumrah's bowling
3 missed chances
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