India vs England: Ben Stokes won't underestimate India despite the exits of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma

The 2025-2027 WTC cycle will see the onset of a new era for the Indian cricket team. The team has been tasked with moving ahead without the experience of two of the most prolific cricketers of this generation. The month of May fared exceptionally hard on India. In a rather subdued manner, Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from Test cricket with a mere story on his social media. Not even a week after Rohit's announcement, Virat Kohli penned a heartfelt post to bid adieu to his baggy blues. From Ravi Ashwin back in December during the BGT to Kohli and Sharma departing now, it will be a raw combination headlining the India tour of England in June. However, the English captain, Ben Stokes, won't underestimate whatever combination India turns up with for the India vs England Test series.

Ben Stokes talks about the retirements of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma ahead of India vs England Test series

After a significantly agonising conclusion to the WTC 2023-25 cycle, Rohit Sharma announced his retirement mere weeks before the onset of the new cycle. A rather more abrupt decision followed, as fans were hit with the retirement announcement of Virat Kohli. Just 770 runs short of completing 10,000 runs in Test cricket, Kohli decided against continuing in his favourite format any further. Whether willingly or not, India is now in a position of a head start, from finding a new leader to filling the gaps in the batting order ahead of the India vs England series. However, while it may not be hard to fill the gaps, it will be remarkably tricky to move ahead without the experience of the senior players.

Shubman Gill is touted as the front-runner to become India’s next Test captain. Others in contention are Jasprit Bumrah, KL Rahul, and Rishabh Pant. It will become clear soon, as the BCCI is likely to announce the squad for the India tour of England this coming Saturday. No matter who is picked, most likely Shubman Gill, the India tour of England is positioned as the ultimate test for the new setup. While India will remain cautious for its own reasons, Ben Stokes, the England captain, isn’t sitting relaxed either.

All the Test-playing nations, barring India, may have taken a sigh of relief upon hearing the news of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s retirements. While Stokes noted that the retirements of Rohit Sharma and Kohli mark a significant transformation for India, England will not take the new team lightly in the five-match Test series. The seasoned all-rounder spoke about the upcoming crop in Indian cricket and hailed the abilities the youngsters hold.

"We always look to get at the opposition during a Test and we look and see how we can adapt. They have had two big retirements in Rohit and Kohli, who have been such an important part of the Indian team and all the success that they have had. But India's battery of batters is just incredible."

"When I have spent time in the IPL, they have batters coming out of their, can't say that word on the interview, but you know what I mean. You can never take any Indian team lightly despite the fact that they're without two of their greatest batters," he added.

What did Stokes text to Virat Kohli following his Test retirement announcement?

Apart from the upcoming series, however, Ben Stokes reflected on the retirement of Virat Kohli. It’s an undeniable fact that Virat Kohli showed a different and fierce face of Indian cricket in the longer format. The aggression, the banter, getting into the skin of opponents, even when it happened at their home, Kohli challenged the opposition with everything. Ben Stokes, meanwhile, noted the similarities between their approaches, passionate about the game and about victory.

The English captain expressed that he would miss playing against Virat Kohli. Stokes noted that India will lack the fighting spirit that Kohli brought to the field. Moreover, Stokes also shared that he texted Virat Kohli following the news of his Test retirement. The all-rounder communicated how it would "be a shame" not playing against Kohli in the format anymore. A string of compliments followed as Ben Stokes sang laurels of Virat Kohli, all deserved.

“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. 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 shared by the ECB.

“He's been incredible. He deserves all the accolades. No doubt, there's been plenty of praise for him in India and here as well. He's done well in England too. In white-ball formats, he's been outstanding. 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," added Stokes.