As India prepares for a high-profile five-Test series against England beginning June 20, home captain Ben Stokes has asserted that the visitors remain a formidable force despite the recent retirement of stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma from the longest format of the game.
Speaking ahead of England’s one-off Test against Zimbabwe, Stokes acknowledged the significant void left by Kohli and Rohit, but emphasised India’s batting depth and the emerging talent seen in the IPL. “One thing about India is their battery of batsmen; it is just incredible,” said the 33-year-old all-rounder in a video released by the England and Wales Cricket Board. “You can never take any Indian team lightly even if they are without two of their great batsmen.”
Kohli and Rohit, two of the most influential cricketers of their generation, announced their retirements from Test cricket earlier this month, ending an era that saw India dominate in various conditions. Kohli, in particular, was known for his fiery presence and unrelenting spirit — traits that even his opponents came to admire.
“What India would miss maybe is his fighting spirit out in the game, his competitiveness, desire to win,” Stokes reflected. “He’s made No. 18 his, hasn’t he? It’s going to be a shame not to be playing against him because we both have the same mindset on the field.”
Stokes, who is returning from a hamstring surgery, made it clear that India’s batting reserves pose a significant challenge for England’s bowlers. Drawing from his IPL experiences, he suggested India has no shortage of quality players ready to step up. “They’ve got batters coming out of there… can’t say a word on this in this interview but you know what I mean,” he quipped.
While acknowledging the stature of the retired duo, Stokes stressed the need for his bowlers to start strong. “We always look to get out the opposition at the start of the Test match and then look to see how we adapt throughout the game. But I know they (India) have got two big retirements. They have been such an important part of the Indian team and all the success they’ve had.”
Looking ahead to the grueling summer, Stokes admitted the length and intensity of a five-Test series against India poses a stern test. “It’s going to be a long tough summer. Five Test matches always is, always is against India.”
In a heartfelt personal note, Stokes paid tribute to Kohli’s batting prowess. “(He’s) just wow. He’s probably someone I would remember about how hard he hit the ball through the covers. That cover drive would be the one.”
As England readies itself for the challenge, Stokes’ words reflect both admiration and respect for what India has been — and a cautious readiness for what’s coming next.
