Recently, Ben Stokes expressed his fondness for Virat Kohli and his sincere gratitude for the Indian legend’s contributions to red-ball cricket. Along with explaining why he liked his fights with Kohli, Stokes said he told the former Indian captain that it would be very upsetting if he wasn’t included in the forthcoming five-match series between England and India.

His competitiveness, his drive to win, and his fighting spirit on the pitch are what India will miss. No. 18 may never again be seen on the back of an Indian shirt because he has made it his own. For so long, he has been ultra-class. It’s going to be a shame not to play against him this time, I texted him. When I play against Virat, I love it. Since we have the same mentality on the field—it’s a battle—we’ve always enjoyed the match,” Stokes said in a video released by the ECB.

He’s been incredible. He deserves all the accolades: Ben Stokes

Stokes spoke of Kohli’s incredible skill in India as well as his illustrious Test career in England. Additionally, he described his cover drive, which he said he will remember for years to come.

“He has performed admirably. He is deserving of every praise. Undoubtedly, he has received a great deal of appreciation both here and in India. He excelled in England as well. He’s been exceptional in white-ball forms. Stokes continued, “I’ll never forget Virat’s ability to hit the ball through the covers with such force; that cover drive will live on in my memory forever.”

India will play England without players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who both announced their retirements from Test cricket this month. How India would handle the challenging English conditions is still up in the air. The start date of the red-ball series is set for June 20.