Ben Stokes Questions WTC Necessity Ahead of India vs England Test Series
In the bustling cricketing hub of Mumbai, England’s Test captain Ben Stokes didn’t hold back his opinions, both on and off the field. As the much-anticipated five-match Test series against India looms, set to commence on June 20 at Headingley, Leeds, Stokes sat down with select Indian media to share his unfiltered thoughts on the game, the opposition, and the state of Test cricket itself.
Known for his fearless approach as a player and leader, Stokes dismissed notions that India might be a weakened side following the retirement of batting giants Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. ‘Experience is often overrated and overthought,’ he asserted with conviction. He believes the depth in Indian cricket, bolstered by a robust domestic structure and emerging talents like Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal, ensures they remain a formidable force.
Reflecting on past encounters, Stokes admitted he’d miss the fiery on-field battles with Kohli, a player he dismissed six times in Test cricket. ‘Virat brought unmatched energy and theatre to the game. His passion for representing India was palpable,’ Stokes reminisced. Yet, he was quick to emphasize that Kohli’s absence wouldn’t diminish the competitive spirit of this series, which promises to be a thrilling contest between transitioning teams.
Since taking over England’s Test reins in 2022 alongside coach Brendon McCullum, Stokes has transformed red-ball cricket with their aggressive ‘Bazball’ philosophy—an ‘attack, entertain, and win’ mantra. With 20 wins in 33 matches under his belt, including just one draw, Stokes has revitalized fan interest in the longest format. However, their approach faced scrutiny during the last tour of India in 2023, where England squandered a 1-0 lead to lose 4-1, often criticized for prioritizing flair over pragmatism.
Looking ahead, Stokes rejected speculation that England might be distracted by the upcoming Ashes Down Under later this year. ‘That’s a very speculative thing to say. Our focus is entirely on India,’ he stated with a dismissive chuckle, underlining his commitment to the present challenge. With 6,728 runs and 213 wickets in 111 Tests, Stokes’ legacy as one of cricket’s premier all-rounders is undeniable, yet he shies away from labeling his tenure an ‘era’. ‘I just want to give my heart and soul to English cricket and win as many games as possible,’ he said passionately.
Despite being a prime candidate for lucrative franchise deals, the 34-year-old remains devoted to Test cricket, driven by a deep romance for the format. ‘What I love about Test cricket is its five-day narrative. You can have a bad day, but there’s always a chance to turn things around the next,’ he mused. However, his reverence for the traditional format didn’t extend to the World Test Championship (WTC), which he openly criticized.
‘There was nothing wrong with Test cricket before the WTC started,’ Stokes argued, questioning the tournament’s necessity. He believes the format’s prestige never needed additional validation. ‘Every series, whether it’s two matches or five, has always carried the same weight. You play to win. We didn’t need the WTC to elevate Test cricket’s importance,’ he elaborated, unafraid to challenge popular narratives. ‘Ask any player, and they’ll tell you Test cricket is the pinnacle. People just feel pressured to say the right things about the WTC because it’s become a big deal,’ he added with characteristic candor.
Stokes’ skepticism about the WTC adds a layer of intrigue as England, currently placed third in the WTC standings with a points percentage of 45.83 as of early 2025, aim to climb higher. India, meanwhile, leads the table with a 61.11 percentage, making this series a critical juncture in the race to the WTC Final at Lord’s in 2025.
On a lighter note, when asked if he sees himself as the last of the great seam-bowling all-rounders—a tag often associated with legends like Ian Botham and Jacques Kallis—Stokes quipped, ‘The only thing I’m great at is eating a lot of food.’ Yet, his trimmed physique post-hamstring surgery and his recent workload as England’s fourth seamer suggest a man still hungry for on-field success.
As the series approaches, Stokes’ England will face an Indian side eager to prove its mettle amid transition. With both teams boasting a blend of youth and experience, and historical rivalries adding spice—England holds a slight edge in head-to-head Tests with 50 wins to India’s 32 in 136 encounters—this clash promises drama. Will ‘Bazball’ triumph on English soil, or will India’s resilience steal the show? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Ben Stokes will be at the heart of every battle.
Catch the India tour of England live from 3:30 PM IST, June 20 onwards on Sony Sports Ten 1 & Sony Sports Ten 5 channels.