'Respect' - Virat Kohli pays the ultimate tribute to Ben Stokes following all-rounder's retirement from ODIs

Legendary Indian cricketer Virat Kohli paid the ultimate tribute to English all-rounder Ben Stokes, following the latter's decision to retire from one-day cricket.

Stokes, 31, shocked the cricketing world on Monday (July 18) when he took to his official social media accounts to announce his decision to retire from the 50-over format.

The World Cup-winning all-rounder admitted that playing all three formats in this day and age is 'unsustainable' for him, insisting that he would focus his energy on giving his best to the Test and T20I teams instead.

"I will play my last game for England in ODI cricket on Tuesday in Durham. I have decided to retire from this format. This has been an incredibly tough decision to make. I have loved every minute of playing with my mates for England. We have had an incredible journey on the way," wrote Stokes.

Also Read: Ben Stokes bids adieu to ODI cricket

"As hard as a decision as this was to come to, it's not as hard dealing with the fact I can't give my teammates 100% of myself in this format anymore. The England shirt deserves nothing less from anyone who wears it. Three formats are just unsustainable for me now," he said.

Following his announcement, current and former cricketers have been posting their heartfelt wishes for the Durham cricketer. Indian cricketer Kohli also posted a comment on Stokes' retirement post on Instagram.

The 33-year-old paid the ultimate respect to Stokes, stating that the latter is the 'most competitive bloke' he's ever squared off against.

"You're the most competitive bloke I've ever played against. Respect," wrote Kohli.

Stokes made his ODI debut against Ireland back in 2011 and went on to represent England in 104 games, scoring 2919 runs at 39.45 with three centuries besides claiming 74 wickets at 41.8 apiece. However, he looked off-colour in the recent series against India as he managed just 58 runs in 3 innings besides managing four wickets at 33 apiece.

Read: The redemption that revolutionized English cricket

I also feel that I am taking the place of another player - Stokes

Stokes will be best remembered for his all-round contributions in the 2019 ODI World Cup, and especially his knock in the final against New Zealand at Lord's.

However, considering the fact that the southpaw has battled with mental health issues in recent times and given that he is now England's red-ball skipper, the 31-year-old is of the view that his body cannot take the rigours of playing in all three formats.

He also added that his part would be selfish if he kept hogging the place in the side despite not being able to operate at 100%.

"Not only do I feel that my body is letting me down because of the schedule and what is expected of us, but I also feel that I am taking the place of another player who can give Jos and the rest of the team their all. It's time for someone else to progress as a cricketer and make incredible memories like I have over the past 11 years," he said.

Stokes is set to feature in his final ODI at his home ground against South Africa on Tuesday, July 19.