Ben Stokes Pays Emotional Tribute to Virat Kohli on Test Retirement Ahead of India-England Series
Just weeks before the highly anticipated five-match Test series between India and England, set to commence on June 20, England captain Ben Stokes has shared an emotional tribute to Indian cricket legend Virat Kohli following his retirement from Test cricket. In a poignant video released by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), Stokes expressed his deep admiration for Kohli, lamenting the absence of one of cricket’s fiercest competitors in the upcoming series.
‘I texted him saying it’s going to be a shame not playing against him this time. I’ve always loved the challenge of facing Virat,’ Stokes revealed. ‘We’ve relished every contest because we share the same mindset on the field—it’s always a battle.’ The rivalry between Stokes and Kohli has been a highlight of recent India-England encounters, with both players known for their unrelenting drive and passion.
Reflecting on Kohli’s contributions, Stokes highlighted the void his departure will leave in Indian cricket. ‘What India will miss most is his fighting spirit, his competitiveness, and his desire to win. He’s made the No. 18 jersey iconic; we might never see it on another Indian shirt with the same aura. He’s been pure class for over a decade,’ Stokes said. Kohli, who has amassed 8,848 runs in 113 Tests at an average of 49.15, including 29 centuries, has indeed been a cornerstone of India’s Test success, particularly in challenging overseas conditions like England, where he has scored 1,991 runs in 28 matches.
Stokes also praised Kohli’s adaptability across formats, calling him one of the greatest in white-ball cricket. ‘In limited-overs cricket, he’s been outstanding. One memory that stands out is how hard he hits the ball through the covers. That cover drive of his will live long in my memory,’ he added. Kohli’s elegance and power in that signature shot have defined countless Indian victories, leaving an indelible mark on fans and opponents alike.
Despite the absence of Kohli and fellow veteran Rohit Sharma, who also recently stepped away from Test cricket, Stokes remains wary of India’s formidable depth. ‘India has had two massive retirements with Rohit and Virat, who’ve been integral to their success. But their battery of batters is incredible,’ he noted. Drawing from his experience in the Indian Premier League (IPL), Stokes humorously hinted at the abundance of talent, saying, ‘When I’ve spent time in the IPL, they have batters coming out of… well, you know what I mean. You can never take any Indian team lightly, even without two of their greatest ever players.’
As the Test series approaches, Stokes’ words serve as a reminder of the mutual respect that defines cricket’s greatest rivalries. While fans will miss the on-field battles between Stokes and Kohli, the England captain’s tribute ensures that Kohli’s legacy as a modern-day great remains firmly etched in the sport’s history. With India transitioning to a new era and England aiming to assert dominance, this series promises drama, emerging stars, and the spirit of competition that both Stokes and Kohli epitomized.