Ben Stokes Expresses Admiration for Virat Kohli's Test Retirement

Virat Kohli's Decision to Retire from Test Cricket

Ben Stokes, the captain of the England Test team, has expressed profound respect for India's Virat Kohli following his unexpected retirement from Test cricket. As India prepares for a five-match Test series against England starting June 20, Kohli's absence is expected to create a significant gap in the Indian lineup.

Kohli's Retirement Announcement

On May 12, Virat Kohli officially declared his retirement from Test cricket, just five days after Rohit Sharma announced his own departure from the format. In light of this, Stokes reached out to Kohli personally to convey his best wishes, recognizing the substantial influence Kohli has had on the sport.

Stokes Praises Kohli's Contributions

Stokes praised Kohli for his unwavering determination, passion, and competitive spirit, which have kept the essence of Test cricket alive. He emphasized that Kohli's presence on the field will be sorely missed and commended his elegant batting style, particularly his renowned cover drive, which has garnered global admiration.

Stokes Reflects on Their Rivalry

In a video shared by the England and Wales Cricket Board, Stokes remarked, "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."

The Impact of Kohli's Departure

Stokes noted, "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." He also added, "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."