Ben Stokes reveals message to Kohli after retirement

England Test captain Ben Stokes recently opened up about the legendary battles he shared with Virat Kohli, the Indian superstar who recently retired from Test cricket. Stokes revealed he sent a heartfelt text message to Kohli after the Indian star announced his retirement from the longest format on May 12. The news shocked cricket fans worldwide, especially with India’s crucial upcoming tour of England.

Stokes pays tribute to Kohli’s fighting spirit

Ben Stokes praised Kohli’s fierce competitiveness and incredible desire to win, qualities that made him one of the fiercest opponents on the cricket field. “What India will miss is his fighting spirit on the field, his competitiveness, his desire to win,” said Stokes in a video released by the England and Wales Cricket Board. He also highlighted how Kohli had truly owned the No. 18 jersey for India, and that it might never be the same without him.

Stokes admitted he loved playing against Kohli, describing their contests as battles fueled by mutual respect and a shared mindset. His text message to Kohli expressed how sad it was not to face him in the upcoming series — a sentiment echoed by many cricket fans following this big announcement.

Kohli’s retirement and upcoming India tour

Virat Kohli surprised fans by stepping away from Test cricket despite being expected to tour England with the Indian squad. This move came soon after Rohit Sharma’s retirement, signaling a major shift in the Indian Test team. Kohli said on social media that leaving Test cricket was “not easy, but it feels right,” showing his deep connection to the format.

India is set for a five-Test series against England starting June 20, which will also kick off a new World Test Championship cycle. The squad is expected to be revealed on May 24, with Kohli’s absence surely a big talking point.

Stokes praises Kohli’s white-ball brilliance

Besides admiring Kohli’s Test prowess, Stokes hailed his white-ball cricket as “outstanding,” calling him a “different beast” in limited-overs formats. The England captain especially praised Kohli’s iconic cover drive, saying it will “live long in the memory” of fans everywhere.

Historic rivalry between Kohli and Stokes

Kohli and Stokes have faced off fiercely over many years. Kohli scored nearly 2,000 runs against England in Tests, including over 1,000 runs in England alone. After a tough 2014 tour, Kohli bounced back strongly in 2018 and led India to famous victories in the 2021 series at Lord’s and The Oval.

Cricket Army fans have witnessed these epic battles firsthand, making Kohli’s retirement from Tests a poignant moment in cricket history. For more on cricket legends and ongoing stories, visit Cricket Army for up-to-date cricket insights.

For further reading on Kohli’s career, check out ICC’s official profile.