Virat Kohli’s surprise decision to retire from Test cricket has sent ripples through the cricketing world. Just days after Rohit Sharma announced his own retirement from the longest format -- Kohli followed -- calling time on a celebrated Test career on 12 May.
Kohli’s retirement comes ahead of India's five-match Test series in England which is starting 20 June. The series will also kick off their new World Test Championship cycle.
More: England Lions squad to face India A announced: Chris Woakes, Rocky Flintoff to feature against India
The India legend's decision shocked many, but reports from India Today suggest he had informed the BCCI weeks ago. The board was reportedly trying to convince him to stay on.
In a tribute, England captain Ben Stokes said that he personally messaged Kohli after hearing the news. Stokes said India will miss Kohli's presence on the field.
“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," Stokes said in a video shared by the ECB.
Follow The Sporting News India on WhatsApp
What did Ben Stokes write to Virat Kohli?
The England skipper said that he texted Kohli to say it was a "shame" he wouldn't get to play against him in the upcoming series. Stokes has long admired Kohli's commitment to the game and the fierce battles they have shared on the pitch.
“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,” he said.
Stokes didn’t stop at just Test cricket. He also praised Kohli’s success across formats -- especially in white-ball cricket and highlighted one trademark shot that stands out.
“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,” he added.
Kohli’s numbers against England are pretty decent. In 28 Tests, he scored 1,991 runs at an average of 42.36. In England alone, he made 1,096 runs from 17 Tests -- averaging 33.21.
After a tough tour in 2014, Kohli came back strongly in 2018 with two centuries and was impactful in India's memorable wins in the 2021 series.