Stokes Reflects on Kohli’s Test Retirement, Reveals Text Exchange

NOTTINGHAM: England’s Test captain, Ben Stokes, shared his thoughts on Virat Kohli’s decision to retire from Test cricket, acknowledging that India will feel the absence of his combative attitude and competitive nature on the field.

Kohli’s recent announcement via an emotional social media post brought an end to his 14-year career in the red-ball format, a move that reverberated throughout the cricketing world.

“It’s been 14 years since I first wore the baggy blue in Test cricket. Honestly, I never imagined the journey this format would take me on. It’s tested me, shaped me, and taught me lessons I’ll carry for life,” Kohli stated.

This announcement precedes India’s upcoming five-Test series against England by just over a month. The team will also be without Rohit Sharma, who also concluded his tenure in the format earlier in the month.

Stokes, during a press conference before the Test match against Zimbabwe, mentioned that he had messaged Kohli following his retirement announcement. He conveyed his disappointment at not having the opportunity to compete against him in the approaching series.

The all-rounder praised Kohli’s consistent displays across all formats, including those in England, stating that the Indian star is deserving of the widespread recognition he receives.

“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. 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,” Stokes commented, as seen in footage released by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).

“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. In white-ball formats, he’s been outstanding. 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 added.