Ben Stokes Reflects on Virat Kohli's Test Retirement and Its Impact
Ben Stokes Reaches Out to Virat Kohli
England's Test captain, Ben Stokes, shared that he sent a message to Indian cricket star Virat Kohli following Kohli's announcement of his retirement from Test cricket ahead of the upcoming tour to England.
On May 12, Kohli surprised the cricket world by declaring his decision to step back from the longest format just before the five-match Test series against England, which is set to commence on June 20. He took to Instagram to reflect on his remarkable journey in Test cricket, acknowledging the difficulty of his decision but affirming it was the right choice, stating he had given his all to the format.
Kohli's Retirement and Its Context
Kohli's retirement announcement came shortly after Rohit Sharma also decided to end his Test career following his removal from the captaincy ahead of the England tour. Both players have been pivotal to India's Test batting lineup for over a decade, guiding the team through a successful era.
Stokes' Sentiments on Kohli's Departure
In a video shared by the England Cricket Board, Stokes expressed that Kohli's absence will be felt, particularly his competitive spirit and determination on the field. He remarked that Kohli's iconic No. 18 jersey might never be worn by another Indian player.
"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," Stokes commented.
"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," he added.
Kohli's Performance in England
Kohli's first tour to England in 2014 was challenging, where he scored only 134 runs at an average of 13.4. However, he made a remarkable comeback in 2018, scoring 538 runs, including two centuries and five fifties, with an average of 59.30 over ten innings. His last tour in 2021/22 saw him accumulate 249 runs, with two fifties, averaging 27.66 in nine innings.
Overall, Kohli has scored 976 runs against England in England, featuring two centuries and five fifties, with an average of 33.65 across 15 matches.
Stokes Remembers Kohli's Signature Shot
Stokes further praised Kohli's illustrious Test career, noting that he will particularly miss Kohli's exceptional cover drive. He stated, "He's been incredible. He deserves all the accolades. No doubt, there's been plenty of praise for him in India and here as well. He's done well in England too."
"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," Stokes concluded.
Kohli's Legacy in Test Cricket
Virat Kohli retires as India's fourth-highest run-scorer in Test cricket, having amassed 9,230 runs, including 30 centuries and 31 fifties, with an average of 46.85 over 123 matches.
Kohli captained the Indian Test team from 2011 until stepping down after a series defeat against South Africa in 2022, holding the record for the most successful Indian captain with 40 wins in 68 matches and a win percentage of 58.82.