England’s Test captain Ben Stokes expressed his admiration for Indian cricket icon Virat Kohli, admitting he will miss the intense on-field battles with him in the upcoming India vs England Test series.
In a recent interview ahead of England’s summer schedule, Stokes said:
“I sent him a message after hearing the news. I told him it’s going to be a shame not playing against him this time. I love playing against Virat.”
Stokes’ remarks come in the wake of Virat Kohli’s surprise retirement from Test cricket, announced earlier this month. The two modern-day greats have shared a fiery and competitive rivalry over the past decade, often bringing out the best in each other on the pitch.
A Rivalry Built on Respect
Ben Stokes and Virat Kohli have locked horns in numerous memorable Test encounters since 2014. Both aggressive and passionate players, they’ve built a mutual respect through high-intensity performances.
“Virat plays the game the same way I do — with passion, fire, and the will to win. That’s why it was always such a great battle,” Stokes said.
Kohli retires with over 8,800 Test runs and 29 centuries, many of them against top teams like England. His absence is likely to be felt in both the Indian dressing room and by fans of the rivalry worldwide.
Looking Ahead
The upcoming five-match Test series between England and India is set to begin on June 20, 2025, at Lord’s, and is expected to be fiercely contested. While Kohli’s absence will be notable, England will look to dominate at home, while India hopes rising stars like Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal step up.
