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"Told Him It's A Shame": Ben Stokes Reveals Secret Text To Virat Kohli After Test Retirement

Akshita Patel

Ben Stokes sent text message to Virat Kohli [Source: Reuters]Ben Stokes sent text message to Virat Kohli [Source: Reuters]

England Test captain Ben Stokes has revealed that he sent a personal message to Virat Kohli after the Indian star announced his retirement from Test cricket earlier this month. Kohli stepped away from red ball cricket just weeks ahead of India’s five-Test long tour to England.

Kohli, one of India’s finest players in Test cricket, closed curtains on his red ball career earlier this month. He stepped away after 9270 runs in 123 Tests. Moreover, the decision shocked the fans as it came just weeks before India departed for England for a five-game Test series.

Meanwhile, upon learning of the sudden developments, England captain Ben Stokes apparently sent a text to Kohli.

Ben Stokes Reached Out To Virat Kohli 

In a video shared by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), Ben Stokes said he sent a personal text message to Virat Kohli after the latter announced his retirement from Test cricket. 

Stokes conveyed that he felt gutted to learn that Kohli won’t be a part of the upcoming Test series between the two sides.

"I texted Kohli after his Test retirement, I told him it's such a shame that you won't be here in England. 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 said.

Additionally, Stokes praised Kohli’s competitive nature and passion, saying that the No. 18 jersey has become iconic because of Kohli, and it may never be worn by another Indian player again. 

"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," he added.

Kohli Gets An Offer From County Cricket Club

Just days after retiring from Test cricket, Virat Kohli has received an offer from Middlesex County Cricket Club to play in the County Championship or One-Day Cup. Middlesex hopes to bring him to Lord’s later this season. While Kohli can’t join overseas T20 leagues due to BCCI rules, he’s eligible for red-ball and 50-over matches. With a home in London, Kohli might finally fulfil his 2018 county stint that was previously halted by injury.