The 2025 Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy ended with a finish for the ages as India stunned England by six runs at The Oval to level the series 2-2.
While fans and pundits were still dissecting the thrilling finale, former India spinner Harbhajan Singh fired a sharp response to ex-England captain Michael Vaughan, urging him to “look where England actually stands” before celebrating too soon.
In the aftermath of the defeat, Vaughan praised England’s “Bazball” approach, suggesting that despite the loss, England had “controlled large parts of the series.” It was his way of framing England as the moral victors, even though the scoreline said otherwise.
Harbhajan didn’t agree.
“I would tell him to look towards his side a bit,” Harbhajan said.
“Our warriors have shown what this team is made of.”
For Harbhajan, this wasn’t about style points. It was about substance—and India, he argued, had delivered when it mattered most.
The series decider at The Oval was the perfect example of what Harbhajan meant. England needed 374 to win and were cruising at 301/3 late on Day 4. The home crowd smelled victory, and Bazball seemed ready to script its grand statement.
But then came the twist.
- Mohammed Siraj ripped through England’s middle order, finishing with a sensational five-wicket haul.
- Prasidh Krishna delivered crucial blows, claiming four wickets.
- England collapsed to 367 all out, handing India their narrowest overseas Test win ever.
India didn’t just win; they snatched victory from a position where most teams would have surrendered.
For Harbhajan, this wasn’t just a comeback. It was proof of India’s character.
“This team never gives up. Our warriors have shown why India is among the best in the world,” he said.
He praised Shubman Gill’s leadership and the collective belief that allowed India to claw their way back into the series after being 2-1 down.
Harbhajan also drew a line between how the two teams approached the series:
- England’s Bazball philosophy thrives on dominating phases of play and entertaining crowds.
- India’s approach is about holding nerve, waiting for the right moment, and striking decisively.
“Winning moments are what count,” Harbhajan hinted. “And India knows how to own those moments.”
This subtle jab was aimed at Vaughan’s repeated assertions that England “deserved” more from the series.
Cricket fans know this isn’t the first time Harbhajan and Vaughan have sparred publicly. Their exchanges on social media have often swung between playful and pointed. But this latest episode reflects more than personal rivalry—it reflects a larger battle of narratives:
- Vaughan represents England’s quest to redefine itself through Bazball.
- Harbhajan represents India’s belief in resilience and results.
The Oval Test will be remembered for its drama, but Harbhajan’s parting shot ensured the conversation didn’t just end with numbers.
For me, this feels like a huge triumph for India despite the 2-2 scoreline. People like Michael Vaughan had confidently predicted 3-1 or 3-0 to England. I’d advise them to reflect on their own side and recognize the reality of where England cricket actually is. Our fighters have showcased the true strength of Indian cricket,” he remarked on his YouTube channel.
“Before celebrating, look where your team actually stands,” he said.
And after that incredible finish, India’s “warriors” stood exactly where they wanted to: on top of the moment, proud and unshaken.
