Virat Kohli, one of the greatest batters of modern cricket, stunned the world when he announced his retirement from Test cricket on 12 May. Known for his passion, grit, and unmatched consistency in red-ball cricket, Kohli’s decision came as a surprise to many, especially with India gearing up for a tough five-match Test series in England starting 20 June.
As soon as the news broke, tributes started pouring in from all corners of the cricketing world. Fans, players, and former legends all came together to celebrate Kohli’s remarkable Test career. His fierce presence at the crease, sharp cricketing brain, and love for the format made him a fan favorite and a respected opponent across nations.
One of the most heartfelt tributes came from England Test captain Ben Stokes. In a video shared by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), Stokes reflected on the absence of Kohli in the upcoming India-England Test series and how much the game will miss his competitive energy.
“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.
Stokes didn’t just stop at the personal message. He openly praised Kohli’s contribution to the game and highlighted what made him such a unique figure in world cricket.
“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 added.
Even though Kohli has stepped away from the Test format, his overall impact on cricket remains huge. Stokes acknowledged Kohli’s incredible presence in limited-overs cricket too.
“A different beast,” Stokes said about Kohli in white-ball formats. He especially admired Kohli’s stylish and powerful stroke play.
“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,” the England captain said.
Kohli may have ended his red-ball journey, but his legacy, both as a player and a leader will continue to inspire generations. And as Stokes rightly pointed out, not seeing Kohli in the upcoming series will leave a noticeable void, not just for India, but for cricket fans everywhere.