Why Monty Panesar wants India-England Test series to be called the “Tendulkar-Cook trophy”

Former England left-arm spinner Monty Panesar wants the India-England Test contests to be named after Sachin Tendulkar and Alastair Cook.

Both Cook and Tendulkar have scored the most Test runs for their respective countries, and Monty Panesar believes they deserve the honour. The 38-year-old also pointed out that, despite being a legend of the game, there is no series named after Tendulkar.

For the record, Tendulkar scored 15921 runs in Test cricket (the highest-ever) while Cook ended his career with 12472 runs (the best by an Englishman).

Eng v India test series should be called "Tendulkar Cook trophy " because both have highest test runs for their countries,they played a lot against eachother and we know Tendulkar is the biggest legend and we dont have a series named after him. @englandcricket @BCCI #INDvENG

— Monty Panesar (@MontyPanesar) February 10, 2021

Currently, the Anthony de Mello Trophy is awarded to the winner of the India-England Test series held in India. The trophy is named after Anthony de Mello, an Indian cricket administrator and one of the founders of the BCCI.

When an India-England Test series is played in England, it is called the Pataudi Trophy, named after the legendary Pataudi family.

Monty Panesar’s suggestion on renaming the India-England series came a day after England overpowered India by 227 runs in the first Test in Chennai.

In another tweet, the former England spinner asked whether the series should be called the “Vaughan-Dravid Trophy". Monty Panesar then put out a third tweet, asking for suggestions from Tendulkar, Jimmy Anderson, Michael Vaughan, Ian Botham and Kapil Dev on what the India-England Test series should be named.

What about "Vaughan Dravid Trophy"@MichaelVaughan @englandcricket @TheBarmyArmy

— Monty Panesar (@MontyPanesar) February 10, 2021

Virat Kohli is under a lot of pressure as captain: Monty Panesar

Monty Panesar, who played a key role in England’s 2012 Test series win in India, feels that Virat Kohli might step down as captain if India lose one more Test under his leadership. Following the Chennai defeat, India have now lost four Tests in a row under Kohli.

What should be the #INDvENG test series should be called ? @sachin_rt @jimmy9 @MichaelVaughan @BeefyBotham @therealkapildev @englandcricket @BCCI #INDvENG

— Monty Panesar (@MontyPanesar) February 10, 2021

Speaking to WION, Monty Panesar admitted:

“Virat Kohli is one of the greatest batsmen of all-time. But the team is simply not doing well under him and we have the result in the last four Test that India played under him. I think Kohli will be under pressure and more now because Rahane has done phenomenally well as the captain.”

He further added:

“India have already lost four Tests in a row and if the number goes to five in the next match, then I think he will step down from his role.”

The second India-England Test will also be played in Chennai from February 13.