London: As the cricket world comes to terms with Virat Kohli’s retirement from Test cricket, England Test captain Ben Stokes has offered a heartfelt tribute to the Indian maestro, calling his iconic cover drive one of the most memorable sights in modern cricket.
Ahead of the eagerly awaited five-match Test series between India and England, which begins on June 20, Stokes expressed his admiration for Kohli’s impact on the longest format, saying:
“That cover drive will live long in the memory. He’s done incredibly well against us and deserves every accolade he’s received.”
A Farewell that Leaves a Void
Kohli, who amassed 9,230 runs in 113 Tests at an average of 46.85, with 30 centuries, recently announced his retirement from the red-ball game via a moving post on Instagram. His departure follows the exit of long-time teammate Rohit Sharma and veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, marking a significant transition phase for Indian Test cricket.
Stokes acknowledged the void Kohli’s absence leaves:
“I think what India will miss is his fighting spirit, his competitiveness, his desire to win. He’s made No. 18 his own — we might never see it on another Indian shirt.”
A Rivalry Built on Respect
Stokes, who has had several high-intensity face-offs with Kohli over the years, shared his personal sentiment:
“I texted him saying it’s a shame not to play against him this time. We’ve always enjoyed that battle on the field — we share the same mindset.”
The English skipper further highlighted how Kohli’s passion and energy helped redefine India’s approach to Test cricket, turning them into an aggressive, result-oriented side both at home and overseas.
Transition Time for India
While many question how India will cope without stalwarts like Kohli, Rohit, and Ashwin, Stokes remains wary of the depth in Indian cricket:
“You can never take an Indian team lightly. They’ve got batters coming out of the IPL like a machine. Even without two legends, they will be a tough challenge.”
India’s new-look side will have the task of proving its mettle in England’s demanding conditions, and fans will be eager to see who steps up in this new era.
Series Overview:
- England vs India – 5-Test Series
- Starts: June 20, 2025
- Notable Absentees: Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, R Ashwin
- England Captain: Ben Stokes
- India’s Transition: New leadership, fresh faces in challenging English conditions
As India turns the page on a golden chapter of Test cricket, the respect from rivals like Ben Stokes only reaffirms the legendary status of Virat Kohli — a man whose cover drive was not just a shot, but an era in itself.