Stokes reveals heartfelt text to Kohli after India great bowed out of Tests

England Test captain Ben Stokes recently disclosed that he reached out to Virat Kohli via text following the batting stalwart’s surprising announcement to retire from Test cricket on May 12.

Kohli’s retirement came shortly after India’s Test captain Rohit Sharma announced his own departure from the format, leaving the Indian squad facing the prospect of touring England with a relatively inexperienced side. Kohli had taken to social media to explain that although giving up Test cricket was a difficult choice, it ultimately felt like the right decision for him.

India is set to begin a five-Test series in England on June 20, which will also mark the beginning of the new World Test Championship cycle. The squad for this tour is expected to be named on May 24.

Stokes expressed his admiration for Kohli’s intensity on the field, praising the passion and desire to win that Kohli brought to every match. “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 in a video released by the England and Wales Cricket Board.

He added, “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”

Stokes further lauded Kohli’s excellence, calling him a `different beast` especially in white-ball cricket. “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,” Stokes added.

Kohli has amassed 1,991 runs in 28 Tests against England, averaging 42.36, including 1,096 runs in 17 Tests played in England at an average of 33.21. After a tough tour in 2014, Kohli returned stronger in 2018 with two centuries and captained India to notable victories in the 2021 series at Lord’s and The Oval.

This article first appeared on Mid Day