"Whoever will replace them...": Ben Stokes' bold take on Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma's absence in Test series

England captain Ben Stokes has opened up about the absence of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravichandran Ashwin from India's squad ahead of the upcoming five-match Test series. However, Stokes warned against underestimating the revamped Indian team under the leadership of Shubman Gill.

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma retired from Test cricket last month, marking the end of an era for Indian red-ball cricket. Shubman Gill takes over as Team India’s Test captain ahead of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 cycle, with wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant named as vice-captain.

India’s first assignment under new leadership is a five-match Test series against England. The opening Test is scheduled to begin on Friday, June 20, at Headingley in Leeds.

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That Doesn’t Mean Whoever Replaces Them Will Be Easier - Ben Stokes on Revamped India

Ben Stokes said that the retirements of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and R Ashwin present both a challenge and an opportunity for England. Speaking to the media, the England captain stated that the three legends have left a lasting legacy, but their absence doesn’t make India any less formidable.

“A lot said about no Rohit, no Virat, no Ashwin. That doesn’t mean whoever will replace them will be easier to bowl or bat against. Three massive names, done wonderful things for the country,” Stokes told the media on Thursday, as quoted by the Times of India.

Virat ended his Test career with 9,230 runs in 123 matches, while Rohit Sharma retired with 4,301 runs from 67 Tests. Both batters faced criticism over their places in the Test side from last year.

Jasprit Bumrah Is a Fantastic Bowler - Ben Stokes

Ben Stokes said that Jasprit Bumrah has delivered impressive performances in Tests over the past year, calling him a major threat to England’s batting lineup. However, the England skipper made it clear that his team won’t focus on just one player and is preparing to face the entire Indian bowling attack.

“Jasprit Bumrah is a fantastic bowler. He is going to be a threat but focusing on one individual is not what we are going to be doing. Exciting time for Indian cricket with new leadership role for Shubman Gill,” Stokes added.

The Men in Blue suffered a 0-3 series loss to New Zealand at home and a subsequent 1-3 defeat in Australia. Team India failed to make it to the World Test Championship final for the first time.

England Announce Playing XI for First Test Against India

England have revealed their playing XI for the first Test, with fast-bowling injuries dominating their selection challenges. Jofra Archer, Mark Wood, and Gus Atkinson are all sidelined due to fitness concerns.

England have stuck with their regular opening duo, Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett. Ollie Pope has retained his place at No. 3, despite Jacob Bethell being in the squad. Joe Root and Harry Brook will bat in the middle order at No. 4 and No. 5.

Ben Stokes, who returned from injury in the recent Zimbabwe Test, will bat at No. 6. Jamie Smith will don the gloves at No. 7. England will field three seamers, Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, and Josh Tongue. Off-spinner Shoaib Bashir is the lone spinner in the XI.

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