Will England Find It Easier Without Rohit, Kohli, and Ashwin? Ben Stokes Weighs In
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Synopsis
As the first Test approaches, England's captain Ben Stokes emphasizes that the absence of star players Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and R. Ashwin doesn't lessen the challenge posed by India's talented squad led by Shubman Gill. The battle for supremacy in the series promises to be intense and captivating.
Key Takeaways
- Ben Stokes emphasizes the challenge posed by India's depth of talent.
- India's new leadership under Shubman Gill signals a shift in the team's dynamics.
- The absence of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and R. Ashwin does not lessen the competitiveness of the series.
- Chris Woakes' inclusion is seen as a vital asset for the England team.
- Stokes is focused on the immediate series, acknowledging the physical demands of Test cricket.
Leeds, June 19 (NationPress) In anticipation of the opening Test of the five-match series, England's captain Ben Stokes remarked that the absence of their three seasoned players - Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and R. Ashwin - does not imply an easier challenge for the hosts. He emphasized the immense talent pool within Indian cricket led by Shubman Gill.
Last month, Rohit and Kohli announced their retirement from the red-ball format, while Ashwin concluded his international career during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia last year.
As Gill embarks on this new chapter with the upcoming World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 cycle at Headingley on Friday, India faces the significant challenge of stepping into the shoes of their iconic predecessors while maintaining a focused outlook towards the future.
Stokes stated, "There's been much commentary regarding the absence of Rohit, Virat, and Ashwin. However, that doesn't mean we expect this series to be any less challenging against India. The depth of talent in Indian cricket is truly remarkable," during a press briefing before the series opener.
He added, "While Virat, Rohit, and Ashwin have made incredible contributions to their nation on the field, their replacements will be equally formidable. The talent pool in India is vast, and having spent considerable time in the IPL, I can attest to that. Thus, the absence of these three legends will not make our task any easier."
Stokes further affirmed that the team's primary focus is solely on the series against India, with no thoughts beyond that. "To begin with, we are concentrating on these five matches against India. We recognize the challenges ahead, as these five Test matches demand a lot physically. Our immediate goal is to tackle these games first," he mentioned.
Regarding Chris Woakes leading the pace attack in the first Test, Stokes conveyed that his inclusion adds substantial value to the team.
"Since Brendon McCullum and I have been together, we have not lost a game when Chris Woakes has played. It’s great to have him on board," he remarked.
"This underscores how valuable he is to any team. As the leader of the bowling attack, I believe he will excel under that responsibility. He is a top-quality cricketer, known for his relentless bowling, whether with the new ball or otherwise," he added.
Stokes, who made his return to competitive cricket last month following a left hamstring injury, expressed that he feels "fantastic" physically.
"Physically, I mean, at 20, I was unaware of what stiffness was. Now, at 34, everything is naturally a bit tougher. However, I've put in significant effort to be where I am today and I feel great, ready to play. I am just more cautious about my build-up. I've worked hard for the first two training days, then taken it easy before the game to ensure everything is set for match day," he concluded.
Point of View
It's clear that the absence of iconic players for India will not diminish the competitive spirit of the matches. England's captain Ben Stokes rightly points out the depth of talent in the Indian squad. This series will not only test the mettle of the players stepping into the limelight but will also highlight the ongoing evolution of cricket, where new talents continuously emerge to challenge established norms.
NationPress
19/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Ben Stokes say about the absence of Rohit, Kohli, and Ashwin?
Ben Stokes acknowledged that the absence of these experienced players does not make the series easier for England, highlighting the vast talent pool in Indian cricket.
Who is leading the Indian team in the series?
Shubman Gill is leading the Indian team in this Test series.
What is Ben Stokes' focus ahead of the series?
Ben Stokes emphasized that the team's primary focus is solely on the five-match series against India.
How does Stokes view Chris Woakes' inclusion in the team?
Stokes believes Chris Woakes adds significant value to the team and has a strong track record of success when playing.
How has Stokes managed his physical fitness?
After recovering from a hamstring injury, Stokes has been cautious about his training and is feeling physically ready for the matches.
