England Captain Ben Stokes stressed that India remains a serious threat in the upcoming series of five matches tests, despite the absence of older Stalwarts Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Ravichandran Ashwin. Stokes spoke in front of the operator in the headingley series and stressed that the Indian party still boasts sufficient talent to represent a strong challenge.
This will be the first Indian test series under the leadership of SHUBMAN GILL, who takes over captain’s duties after retiring Rohit Sharma from the format. Rishabh Pant will also serve as more captain. The new duo of the management will have the task of leading a relatively younger group in a series with high setting.
“It is said a lot about who is not playing – such as Rohit, Virat or Ashwin – that doesn’t mean we think it’s a little easier than whenever it is against India. The whole world knows how much talent is in the cricket powerhouse. Just because these guys don’t replace it. In India, it’s in India.
“Of course I spent a lot of time with those boys in Ipl, so I know first -hand … they will still say,” he added.
While India can be without their most experienced doughs and spinning at the forehead, they still carry a lot of firepower. Jasprit Bumrah, who is expected to play only three out of five tests due to workload management, remains the main threat with the ball. Its presence, even in limited capacity, will be a key factor for Indian chances of English soil.
England, which starts the World Cup campaign in testing (WTC) 2025–27 with this series, is based on a one -time test victory against Zimbabwe. However, the memories of the 4-1 defeat in India will still be fresh at the beginning of this year, and Stokes will recognize the challenge of re-standing.
“Look, I think it is five games against India we focus on. I know it will be difficult – it is always against India. Five test matches are very difficult on the body, so yeah, we will focus on these five games first,” he added.
This will also mean the first time England is tested by the aggressive “Bazball” approach against India at home under the current Stokes regime and head coach Brendon McCullum. With the ashes scheduled for November, Stokes explained that their full attention was for the time being in India.
He reiterated that India, even without some of his long -term stars, continues to be a difficult side, and England is still not looking forward to ashes. Their goal, said, is to prepare thoroughly and give the best in what promises to be a competitive series.
Published:
Debodinna Chakracorty
Published on:
June 19, 2025
