'A lot said about no Rohit, no Virat...': Ben Stokes gears up for Shubman Gill's Team India challenge
Ben Stokes. (PIC - X)
New Delhi: England captain Ben Stokes has revealed that even after there has been a lot of discussions over the absence of Former Indian Test captain Rohit Sharma, star batter Virat Kohli and mystery spinner Ravichandran Ashwin from the Indian lineup, it wouldn't make their replacements easy targets, as England gear up for a tough challenge against Shubman Gill's India.
Speaking on the day before of the series opener at Headingley, Ben Stokes said that the fanous Indian trio's replacements are no less threatening.
'A lot said about no Rohit, no Virat, no Ashwin. That doesn't mean whoever will replace them will be easier to bowl or bat against. Three massive names, done wonderful things for the country,' Stokes said while speaking at the pre-match press conference.
'Jasprit Bumrah is a fantastic bowler. He is going to be a threat, but focusing on one individual isn't what we are going to be doing. Exciting time for Indian cricket with the new leadership role for Shubman Gill,' Stokes added.
The England captain welcomed the return of experienced all-rounder Chris Woakes, looking forward to his team's unbeaten run with him under the current captaincy.
'Since Baz (Brendon McCullum) and I have been together, I don't think we have lost a game when Woakes played. Good to have him,' Stokes said.
'Headingley is generally the better cricket wicket overall. Let's see what the weather has in store,' Stokes added.
'To get to the WTC final, we need to win matches. That's what we need to focus on… the series ahead of us. If we win matches, we will reach the final. And if we get there, we will look to win that too,' Stokes said.
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