India legend Kapil Dev expressed surprise at the England Cricket Board's (ECB) decision to rename the Pataudi Trophy to the Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy. Kapil said the decision does feel a bit strange, but added that it won't make much of a difference. The Pataudi Trophy was instituted in 2007 as the prize for the winner of the India-England Test series. It was named after former India captains Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi and his son Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi.

Speaking on the sidelines of an event organised by Three Sixty to celebrate his unbeaten 175 run knock against Zimbabwe during the 1983 World Cup, Kapil reacted to the decision.

"It feels a little strange… like, does this also happen? But that's okay, everything works in cricket. At the end of the day, there is no difference. Cricket is cricket. The cricket on the field should be the same," he said.

Meanwhile, the decision to rename the trophy was not well received by the fans who felt that the ECB should not have tinkered with the Pataudi legacy. Sachin Tendulkar and ICC chair Jay Shah intervened to keep the Pataudi link alive during the India England Test series. Reportedly, the ECB will now name a medal after Pataudis.

"Yes, there is a confirmed plan to retain the Pataudi link in the England-India series," the official further told this website. It is likely that the authorities will name a medallion in the name of late MAK Pataudi, which will, in all likelihood, be given to the winning captain," Cricbuzz quoted the ECB official.

Meanwhile, the India-England Test series will mark the beginning of a new era of Indian cricket under Shubman Gill. The 25-year-old was named the captain of the side after Rohit Sharma retired from the format. Virat Kohli also drew curtains on his Test career soon after. Kapil was optimistic that Gill will lead India to a series in England.

"I’m sure he will return with the trophy in hand. We feel very proud and wish them all the luck. I hope they come back victorious and play to their full potential," the 66-year-old said.