England Test skipper Ben Stokes has shown deep respect and admiration for India’s Virat Kohli after he announced his sudden retirement from the Test format. India will be playing a five-match Test series against England which will be starting from June 20 and Kohli’s absence will leave a huge void for the Indian Team.
Virat Kohli’s Test Retirement
Virat Kohli officially announced his retirement from Tests on May 12 just 5 days after Rohit Sharma took the decision to bid farewell to his Test career. Following this decision Ben Stokes said that he reached out to Virat Kohli personally and offered his best wishes, acknowledging the impact Virat had on the game.
Ben Stokes Praises Virat Kohli
Stokes heaped huge praise for Virat Kohli, where he highlighted his relentless drive, passion and competitiveness which kept the spirit of Test alive. He further mentioned that Kohli will be missed on field and lauded his classical batting technique particularly his iconic cover drive, which has earned admiration around the world.
“I Love Playing Against Virat” Says Ben Stokes
“I texted him saying it’s going to be a shame not playing against him this time. I love playing against Virat. We’ve always relished the contest because we share the same mindset on the field – it’s a battle,” said Stokes in a video released by the England and Wales Cricket Board.
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“India Will Miss His Fighting Spirit”
“What India will miss is his fighting spirit on the field, his competitiveness, his desire to win. He’s made No. 18 his own – we might never see it on the back of another Indian shirt. He’s been pure class for such a long time,” Stokes said.
“One thing I’ll always remember about Virat is how hard he hits the ball through the covers – that cover drive will live long in the memory,” the England captain added.
