Ben Stokes, the talismanic all-rounder and captain of the England Test team, currently faces a unique challenge: navigating a dip in his batting form while carrying the weight of immense expectations. His leadership, often lauded for its revolutionary impact on England's cricket, is now under scrutiny as his personal performance with the bat wanes.

Stokes' recent batting statistics paint a concerning picture. In 2024, he managed just 602 runs in 13 Tests, averaging 28.66. This year, the situation has worsened, with a meager 95 runs in three Tests at an average of 19.00. He has struggled to reach the 40-run mark in the ongoing series against India, a stark contrast to his Indian counterpart, Shubman Gill, who has been in record-breaking form. Since the start of last year, Stokes averages 26.56 with the bat and has made just five half-centuries. It has also been over two years since Stokes scored a Test century. In the second Test against India at Edgbaston, Stokes recorded his first-ever golden duck in Test cricket, a new low in his career.

This slump has naturally led to increased scrutiny, with former cricketers questioning his contributions and some analysts suggesting that his batting has gone from a worry to a problem. Michael Atherton, the former England captain, believes that the Lord's Test against India will be a stern test of Ben Stokes' captaincy after the heavy defeat at Edgbaston. Atherton also noted that Stokes's batting form has declined each year since he has been captain.

Several factors may be contributing to Stokes's batting struggles. Some point to a lack of rhythm and match practice, stemming from his focus on Test cricket and limited appearances in other formats or for his county side, Durham. Others suggest that the burden of captaincy and the physical demands of being a full-fledged all-rounder are taking a toll. Stokes himself has acknowledged experiencing some "ring rust". His struggles against spin have also been highlighted, with 16 dismissals out of his last 25 Test dismissals coming against spin, at an average of 18.43.

Despite these challenges, Stokes remains a pivotal figure in the England setup. His captaincy has been transformative, leading the team to adopt an aggressive and fearless approach known as "Bazball". Under his leadership, England has won 22 of their last 35 matches. Stokes is also considered an exceptional tactician and a leader who inspires his players, especially when under pressure. England have shown resilience in the past, frequently bouncing back from setbacks without abandoning their aggressive approach.

Looking ahead, Stokes aims for a strong response in the upcoming matches. He draws inspiration from his second-innings century at Lord's during the 2023 Ashes and remains optimistic about his workload and current rhythm with the bat. Stokes has expressed confidence in his physical condition and his ability to dominate situations with both bat and ball. Despite his recent struggles, his overall career statistics remain impressive, with over 6,500 runs in 105 Tests, including 13 centuries.

The coming matches will be crucial for Stokes to rediscover his batting form and silence his critics. His leadership will also be tested as he seeks to inspire his team after a heavy defeat. While his batting woes are undeniable, his proven leadership and all-round capabilities make him a player to watch as he strives to meet the sky-high expectations that surround him.