The five-match series between England and India witnessed drama almost in every game, with each Test going down to the wire. After India trailed 1-2 following
defeats at Lord’s and Nottingham, the visitors stormed back with a draw in Manchester and clinched a nail-biting six-run win at The Oval. The result saw the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy end in a tie at 2-2.
However, England batter Harry Brook, who was named the Player of the Series (POTS) alongside Indian skipper Shubman Gill, humbly rejected the recognition from India head coach Gautam Gambhir following the thrilling 2-2 Test series draw. Despite scoring 481 runs, Brook felt former England captain Joe Root was more deserving of the accolade after a standout performance across the five Tests.
While Brook played an important role in England’s campaign, especially in the fifth Test at The Oval, where his 111 in the fourth innings brought England within distance of a record chase. His 481 runs came at an average of 53.44, including two centuries and a 99. Despite these numbers, Brook publicly stated that Root, who was England’s top run-getter in the series with 537 runs at an average of 67 and three centuries, was the rightful winner.
"I didn't score as many runs as Rooty (Joe Root), so I probably think he should be Man of the Series or Man of the Summer. He has been for many years," Brook told the BBC.
— CG (@CG__Media) August 5, 2025
Root’s innings throughout the series kept the home team in the contest. His final century, at The Oval, was emotional as he honoured his late mentor Graham Thorpe by wearing a special headband after reaching the milestone. Root’s mammoth 195-run partnership with Brook in the last innings of the final Test almost clinched the match and series for England, until the Indian team produced a memorable comeback. His dismissal on Day 4 triggered a collapse, allowing India to take seven wickets for just 66 runs and secure the win.
How are Player of the Series Awards chosen?
In England’s home Test series, a long-standing tradition is followed for selecting the Players of the Series, one from each team. Interestingly, these selections are made by the opposing team’s head coach, not an independent panel, commentary panel, or the player’s coach.
For the 2025 Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, England’s coach, Brendon McCullum, chose Shubman Gill as India’s standout player. India's coach, Gautam Gambhir, selected Harry Brook as England’s best performer.
