England Test captain Ben Stokes, known for his own combative spirit, shared a heartfelt tribute to his long-time rival, Virat Kohli, reflecting on their intense on-field battles.
As England gear up to host India for a highly anticipated five-match Test series, starting in June 2025, the absence of Kohli from the Indian Test squad has sparked emotional reactions across the cricketing world. Kohli, who announced his retirement from Test cricket on May 12, leaves behind a legacy as one of India’s fiercest competitors and most prolific run-scorers.
With 9,230 Test runs, including 30 centuries, and a reputation for his unrelenting intensity, Virat Kohli’s departure has left a void, even for his opponents who thrived on the challenge of facing him.
Advertisement
Also read: “We’re Interested in Having That Conversation” - Middlesex Dream of Signing Virat Kohli
"India Will Miss His Fighting Spirit" - Ben Stokes on Virat Kohli's Test Retirement
Ben Stokes revealed that he reached out to Kohli personally after the latter’s retirement announcement.
The two cricketers, who share a mutual respect forged through years of fierce competition, have often brought out the best in each other, making Stokes’ words a poignant tribute to Kohli.
In a video released by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), Stokes said,
"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 acknowledged Kohli's impact, stating that India will miss his competitiveness and fighting spirit on the field.
"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."
Stokes also highlighted a signature aspect of Kohli’s batting, stating,
"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."
Advertisement
Virat Kohli’s Stellar Test Legacy and Record Against England
Virat Kohli retired from Test cricket as one of the format’s all-time greats, finishing as India’s fourth-highest run-scorer with 9,230 runs and the fourth-highest centurion with 30 hundreds. His record as captain is unmatched, leading India in 68 Tests with 40 victories, including a historic series win in Australia in 2018-19.
Kohli’s seven double-centuries as captain remains a record. Against England, he scored 1,991 Test runs in 28 matches at an average of 42.36, with his 593 runs coming in the 2018 series alone.
Also read: Virat Kohli Career Stats in Test Cricket
