Virat Kohli, the former Indian skipper, had a cheerful message for Ben Stokes as England’s Test skipper recently announced retirement from One Day International (ODI) cricket. Stokes had posted a moving note to disclose his decision, via his official social media handles. Commenting on Stokes’ Instagram post, Kohli had written: ” You’re the most competitive bloke I’ve ever played against. Respect.”
In reply, Stokes has stated that he loves Kohli and the Indian run-machine is going to go down as one of the greatest ever players to play in all three formats of the game. Stokes was speaking with Sky Sports. He said: “I love Virat. He is going to go down as one of the greatest ever players to play the game in all three formats. He is a phenomenal player and I absolutely love that I have played against someone like him. The energy and the commitment that he gives to the game is something which I have admired even before I started playing against him. When you play guys like that, you understand what it means not just to yourself but everybody else what it means to play the game at the top level.”
Moreover, the 31-year-old added: “I loved every single time I have played against him. I am sure we will have some more battles on the field.”
Besides, Stokes has 2924 ODI runs in 105 matches, with 3 centuries and 21 half-centuries. He has also picked 74 wickets in the format, with a five-wicket haul in his account. Stokes was an indivisible part of the English which conquered England’s ODI World Cup dream in 2019. He was the ‘Player of the Match’ for his unbeaten knock of 84 runs in 98 deliveries, in the 2019 World Cup final against New Zealand.
Playing all 3 formats “unsustainable”, says Ben Stokes
On the other hand, in his note regarding the matter, Stokes stated that playing all three formats was ‘just unsustainable’ for him. Stokes’ this sudden resolution came after he was given the responsibility of Test skipper of the English side a few weeks ago.
Stokes, furthermore wrote that it was a tough decision to make but he was unable to contribute 100% of himself to the team, which, for him, was unfair as the England jersey deserves nothing less from anyone who wears it; Stokes believes.
Stokes’ retirement from the format has sparked some new debates considering players’ schedules. Several former English cricketers including Kevin Pietersen and Nasser Hussain have jumped into the discussion.
Meanwhile, Stokes couldn’t have a ‘fairytale’ farewell, at his home ground, Chester-le-Street, as the lefty all-rounder scored 5 runs with the bat and couldn’t pick a wicket in his spell of 5 overs with the ball, against the firm South African lineup, yesterday (July 19).
Written By Prachi Pisal
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