Ben Stokes Calls Virat Kohli's Test Absence 'A Shame' Ahead of India vs England Series
As the cricketing world gears up for the highly anticipated India vs England Test series, set to begin on June 20, a major headline is already casting a shadow over the event — Virat Kohli's absence. The Indian cricket legend recently announced his retirement from Test cricket, just before the selection of India's squad for the new World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle.
One of the first big reactions came from England captain Ben Stokes, who shared his thoughts on Kohli's absence in an emotional and respectful statement.
In a video shared by England Cricket, Stokes expressed his disappointment about not being able to play against Kohli in the upcoming series. Known for his fiery passion and aggressive style of play, Kohli has been one of the defining figures of modern Test cricket, especially in matches against top-tier teams like England.
'What India will miss will be his fighting spirit out in the game, his competitiveness, and his desire to win,' said Stokes. 'He has made number 18 his, hasn't he? It'll be a bit weird not seeing number 18 on the back of any Indian shirt.'
'I did text him, saying it's going to be a shame not to play against him because I love playing against Virat. We both love playing against each other because we have that same mindset when we are out in the field — that it's a battle.'
The India vs England Test series has historically been intense, with both teams known for their strong competitive spirit. Kohli has often been at the center of this rivalry, both as a captain and as a batter. His absence is not just a loss for Team India, but also for fans worldwide who enjoy the high-octane battles he brings to the pitch.
As the World Test Championship enters a new cycle, Team India will now look to redefine its Test lineup, especially in the batting department. Kohli's retirement creates both a void and an opportunity for young players to step up.
With Kohli out, CRICHOURLY experts will be closely analyzing how this impacts India's chances in the five-match series. The absence of his experience and leadership in pressure situations could shift the balance slightly in England's favor, especially with Ben Stokes and his men coming prepared and confident.
However, Indian cricket is known for producing talent under pressure. Whether Rohit Sharma and others can carry the weight remains to be seen.
Stay tuned with CRICHOURLY for live updates, team predictions, match previews, and post-match analysis as we cover this thrilling series — even without one of its brightest stars, Virat Kohli.
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