"Virat Kohli Was An Animated Character" Ben Stokes Gives His Verdict On Former Test Star

Stokes on Kohli [Source: @circleofcricket/x.com]

Ahead of the all-important India vs England Test series, the England skipper, Ben Stokes has given his verdict on former India Test captain, Virat Kohli. Speaking to media personnel ahead of the first Test in Headingley, Stokes lauded Kohli and called him a 'fierce competitor' as the duo have had great battles in the past.

The veteran all-rounder also stated that in the absence of Rohit and Kohli, England won't take India lightly as the Asian giants have enough depth to trouble them.

“Kohli was an animated character. What India will miss will be his fighting spirit out in the game, his competitiveness, and his desire to win. He has made number 18 his, hasn't he? It'll be a bit weird not seeing number 18 on the back of anyone of any Indian shirt, but he has been class for them for a long period of time,” Stokes said on Virat Kohli's retirement, as quoted by TOI.

“I did text him, saying it's going to be a shame not to play against him because I love playing against Virat. We both love playing against each other because we have that same mindset when we are out in the field — that it's a battle,” he further expressed.

The battle between Kohli and Stokes in Tests

Kohli and Stokes both have similar traits as they are two fiery characters who want to win the match at any cost. Interestingly, they have had some great contests on the field as well. 

While Kohli has scored truckloads of runs against him in Tests (223), the England great has managed to dismiss him 6 times in the red-ball format, showcasing his supremacy at the highest level. Even in the ODIs, Stokes has got the better of the India star on many occasions. While Kohli has accumulated 91 runs against him in ODIs, he has been dismissed 3 times.

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