Ben Stokes, England’s Test captain, has expressed deep admiration for Virat Kohli following the Indian cricket legend’s retirement from Test cricket. Ben Stokes revealed he sent a heartfelt message to Virat Kohli, acknowledging the significant void his absence will create in the cricketing world.
Virat Kohli’s unexpected announcement of his Test cricket retirement on May 12 surprised fans and cricket experts alike, particularly with India gearing up for a tough five-match series in England beginning June 20. In a video released by the England and Wales Cricket Board, Stokes shared,
“I texted him saying it’s going to be a shame not playing against him this time. I love playing against Virat. We’ve always relished the contest because we share the same mindset on the field – it’s a battle,”
Ben Stokes Reflects on Virat Kohli’s Impact
Ben Stokes emphasized Kohli’s unparalleled contribution to cricket, highlighting his fighting spirit, competitiveness, and desire to win. He remarked,
“What India will miss is his fighting spirit on the field, his competitiveness, his desire to win. He’s made No. 18 his own – we might never see it on the back of another Indian shirt. He’s been pure class for such a long time,”
Ben Stokes also praised Kohli’s prowess in limited-overs cricket, calling him “a different beast” in white-ball formats. He fondly recalled Kohli’s elegant batting style, especially his memorable cover drives, stating,
“One thing I’ll always remember about Virat is how hard he hits the ball through the covers – that cover drive will live long in the memory,”
A Testament to Mutual Respect
Over the years, Virat Kohli and Ben Stokes have engaged in intense battles across all formats of the game. Kohli has amassed close to 2,000 Test runs against England, maintaining an impressive average of over 42. Although he struggled during the 2014 tour, Kohli bounced back strongly in the 2018 and 2021 series in England, showcasing his determination and leadership with notable triumphs at Lord’s and The Oval.
The youngsters should take a leaf out of the intense rivalry between Virat Kohli & Ben Stokes who are very good friends as well. As India prepares for a new era in Test cricket, the legacy of players like Virat Kohli will continue to inspire future generations. The upcoming Test series promises to be a blockbuster given England have a star studded squad and India promising players who have shown glimpses of winning key moments & matches.