IND vs ENG: Ben Stokes Laments Virat Kohli’s Absence, Praises Indian Legend’s Legacy
In a heartfelt reflection ahead of the much-anticipated India-England Test series, England captain Ben Stokes has expressed deep disappointment over the absence of Virat Kohli, describing it as a ‘shame‘ for the series and a significant void in world cricket. As the two cricketing giants prepare to lock horns in a five-match series starting June 20 at Headingley, the absence of one of India’s greatest-ever batsmen looms large over the contest.
Kohli, who bid farewell to Test cricket last month, concluded an illustrious career with 9,230 runs in 123 matches, including 30 centuries and an impressive average of 46.85. Known for his aggressive captaincy and relentless pursuit of excellence, Kohli’s retirement—alongside that of fellow stalwart Rohit Sharma—has marked the beginning of a transitional phase for Indian cricket. The reins of leadership now rest with the young and dynamic Shubman Gill, who at 25, faces the daunting task of filling the void left by such towering figures.
In a candid video shared by England Cricket, Stokes delved into what India will miss most without Kohli on the field. ‘What India will miss will be his fighting spirit, his competitiveness, and his unrelenting desire to win,‘ said Stokes, acknowledging the aura that the former Indian skipper brought to every contest. He added, ‘He has made number 18 his, hasn’t he? It’ll feel strange not seeing that number on an Indian jersey.‘ Indeed, the sight of Kohli charging onto the field with his unmistakable energy has been a defining image of modern cricket.
Stokes, a fierce competitor himself, also revealed a personal gesture that underlines the mutual respect between the two modern-day greats. ‘I sent him a message after his retirement announcement, telling him it’s a shame we won’t face off again. I’ve always loved playing against Virat because we share the same mindset—it’s always a battle,’ Stokes admitted. Their on-field rivalry, often electric and intense, has produced some memorable moments, including Kohli’s iconic performances in England, where he amassed 593 runs at an average of 59.30 during the 2018 series.
As the series approaches, all eyes will be on how India’s young brigade responds to the challenge of playing without their talismanic leader. For Stokes and England, while Kohli’s absence may seem like an advantage, the England skipper is under no illusion about the fight that awaits. ‘India might be in transition, but they are never short of talent or passion,‘ he warned. With players like Shreyas Iyer and Rishabh Pant stepping up, and Gill at the helm, the series promises to be a thrilling clash of experience and youth.
In the end, Kohli’s absence may rob fans of another chapter in his storied rivalry with Stokes, but his legacy as a game-changer and a fierce warrior remains etched in cricket history. As the first ball is bowled at Headingley, the echoes of number 18 will undoubtedly reverberate through the stands, a reminder of the indelible mark Virat Kohli has left on the sport.