England captain Ben Stokes praised Virat Kohli ahead of the upcoming five-Test series. He said India will miss Kohli’s “fighting spirit” when they face England from June 20. Stokes also admitted it will feel strange not seeing the number 18 jersey on the field.
India begins the England tour without Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Both players retired from Test cricket last month. In their absence, young opener Shubman Gill will lead the Indian side.
In a video shared by England Cricket on Instagram, Stokes said, “I think what India will miss will be his fighting spirit, his competitiveness, desire to win. It’ll be a bit weird not seeing number 18 on the back of any Indian shirt.”
Stokes also spoke about his personal rivalry with Kohli. He revealed that he sent Kohli a message after the retirement announcement. “It’s a shame not to play against him. I love the battle. We share a similar mindset,” said the England skipper.
Kohli ended his Test career with 9,230 runs in 123 matches. He averaged 46.85 and scored 30 centuries. As captain, he recorded 40 wins — fourth only to Graeme Smith, Ricky Ponting, and Steve Waugh.
“He has been incredible,” Stokes added. “He deserves all the praise. He’s done really well against England and has been a class player.”
India’s five-match tour of England marks the start of a new era. It also launches the 2025–27 ICC World Test Championship (WTC) cycle for both teams. With Kohli and Rohit out, India look to rebuild under Gill’s leadership.
The first Test will be played at Headingley from June 20. The second will be held at Edgbaston from July 2. The third Test begins at Lord’s on July 10.
Subsequently, the teams move to Manchester. Old Trafford will host the fourth Test from July 23. The series will end at The Oval, London, starting on July 31.
India aim to win their first Test series in England since 2007.
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