The Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy is intensifying. Ahead of the third Test at Lord’s, India recalled a discarded pacer who bowled to captain Shubman Gill in practice.
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Intense Preparation Ahead of Lord’s Test in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy
The Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy is heating up. The five-match series between India and England stands at 1-1, with both teams eager to take control in the third Test at Lord’s Cricket Ground. Shubman Gill’s India is leaving no stone unturned in their preparation, fully aware that a win at the home of cricket could give them a significant edge and a real shot at their first series victory in the UK since 2007. On the eve of the Lord’s Test, Shubman Gill, the series’ leading run-scorer, was seen grinding it out in the nets. What caught the eye was the bowler he faced—Deepak Chahar, recently a Mumbai Indians player in IPL 2025, who bowled a long spell at the India captain. According to ESPNCricinfo, Chahar happened to be nearby and took the opportunity to train alongside the main squad at Lord’s.
Not in the squad, just in the neighbourhood 🙋♂️ Deepak Chahar was spotted rolling his arm over in the nets at Lord’s pic.twitter.com/YpqFjGzSlh
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) July 9, 2025
Even before the second Test at Edgbaston, Birmingham, the Indian squad practiced alongside Punjab Kings spinner Harpreet Brar. Brar later revealed that he was nearby and was called upon by Shubman Gill to join the sessions. Similarly, Deepak Chahar was spotted at Lord’s Cricket Ground for a few hours, bowling in the nets before leaving. Notably, Chahar was not wearing India’s official training gear during his brief stint.
What did Rishabh Pant say?
On the eve of the Lord’s Test against England, India vice-captain Rishabh Pant spoke to the media about the team’s approach and selection plans. He emphasized that the final team combination has not yet been decided and will depend on the pitch conditions. “As a team, we plan to play according to the conditions given to us. We don’t focus on what the opposition is thinking or doing. Whatever they do, we’ll do our best and aim to do better. Simple,” Pant explained.
He also highlighted the challenge posed by England’s batting-friendly wickets, saying the goal was always to take 20 wickets despite the conditions. “Our batters have to step up, especially since two of our senior players are missing,” he added.
Following India’s commanding 336-run victory at Edgbaston, captain Shubman Gill confirmed that Jasprit Bumrah will return for the Lord’s Test, with Prasidh Krishna likely making way for the world No. 1 Test bowler.
