Ben Stokes has downplayed the notion that India will be an easy opponent in the upcoming Test series, despite the absence of veteran players Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Ravichandran Ashwin. Stokes acknowledged the significant contributions of the three players to Indian cricket but emphasized that their absence would not make the contest any less challenging.

Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Stokes stated, "The pool of talent that Indian cricket has is just ginormous. (Rohit, Kohli and Ashwin are) three massive names, three people who have done wonderful things for their country, but it's not going to be any easier for us because those three big names aren't here."

India are entering a new era under the captaincy of Shubman Gill. This series marks the beginning of the 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle, and it's India's first red-ball assignment under their new captain. They are aiming to rebuild after finishing third in the previous WTC cycle, having reached the final in each of the two editions before that.

England, who finished fifth in the last WTC, are also looking to reset after an inconsistent campaign. Since Stokes took over from Joe Root as captain, England have won 23 and lost 12 Tests. They are now embarking on a demanding stretch with back-to-back five-Test series against India and Australia. Last month, England defeated Zimbabwe by an innings and 45 runs in a one-off Test, but they have also suffered heavy defeats, including a 423-run loss to New Zealand in December despite winning the series 2-1. In their last five-match series in India 18 months ago, they were defeated 4-1, with losses by 434 runs and an innings and 64 runs.

Stokes reiterated his team's commitment to an exciting brand of cricket. "We still want to be known as a team who play an exciting style of cricket," Stokes said. "(It's) not that we never wanted to win every game that we played, but it's changing what we say and how we say it. We want to be playing exciting games of cricket because we know that's what brings the best out of individuals and us as a team. But it's about winning."

For the first Test at Headingley, England have opted to retain Ollie Pope over Jacob Bethell, while Chris Woakes and Brydon Carse have also been included in the squad. Stokes commented on Pope's selection, saying, "(Pope) scoring 170 in his last test match (against Zimbabwe) has shown how well he's handled that extra scrutiny."

The upcoming series will also see the introduction of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, which will be awarded in all future Test series between England and India. Previously, the series in England was played for the Pataudi Trophy.

As India embarks on this new chapter, all eyes will be on how the team performs under Gill's leadership and whether they can defy expectations, proving that they remain a formidable force even without their established stars.