England Test captain Ben Stokes has openly acknowledged the void left by Virat Kohli's absence in the upcoming five-match Test series between England and India, commencing on June 20, 2025. With both Kohli and Rohit Sharma having retired from Test cricket recently, a relatively inexperienced Indian squad, led by Shubman Gill with Rishabh Pant as vice-captain, is preparing for what promises to be a demanding tour.
Stokes, in a video released by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), expressed that India would particularly miss Kohli's "fighting spirit," "competitiveness," and "desire to win." He further added, "He has made number 18 his, hasn't he? It'll be a bit weird not seeing number 18 on the back of anyone of any Indian shirt, but he has been class for them for a long period of time.”
Stokes also revealed that he had sent a text message to Kohli after the latter's retirement announcement, conveying his disappointment at not being able to play against him. "I did text him, saying it's going to be a shame not to play against him because I love playing against Virat. We both love playing against each other because we have that same mindset when we are out in the field—that it's a battle," Stokes said.
Kohli retired as India's fourth-highest run-scorer in Test cricket, amassing 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85 in 123 matches. His illustrious career included 30 centuries and 31 half-centuries. Between 2016 and 2019, his annual average never dipped below 55, and his calendar year averages at the end of 2016 and 2017 both exceeded 75. He took over the number four position from Sachin Tendulkar following Tendulkar's international retirement in 2013, and he scored 7,564 runs in 160 Test innings at an average of 50.09 in that position.
Stokes highlighted Kohli's impact on the game, emphasizing the qualities that made him a formidable opponent and a globally admired player. Stokes also lauded Kohli’s cover drive and called him a different beast in white-ball cricket.
The upcoming Test series will be India's first assignment in the 2025-2027 World Test Championship cycle. The five Test matches are scheduled to be held at Headingley (Leeds), Edgbaston (Birmingham), Lord's (London), Old Trafford (Manchester), and The Oval (London).
