TIL Desk Sports/England Test captain Ben Stokes, who is playing his last ODI match in international cricket on Tuesday, acknowledged the heartfelt message from Virat Kohli and returned the compliment by saying he has always admired the energy and commitment that the Indian star brings to the game.
Stokes on Monday announced his sudden retirement from ODI cricket, saying that the rigours of playing all three formats of the game were “unsustainable” for him and he was not able to give his 100 percent to the team in the 50-over format.
Following his announcement, Kohli had called the all-rounder “the most competitive bloke” he has played against. “You’re the most competitive bloke I’ve ever played against. Respect,” Kohli had written on Stokes’ retirement post on Instagram.
Speaking to the official broadcasters in the lead-up to the first ODI between South Africa and England at Chester-le-Street, Stokes highlighted the impact Kohli’s energy and intensity have had on the game.
“Look, Virat is going to go down as one of the greatest players to play the game in all three formats. He is a phenomenal player. And I have absolutely loved every time I have played against someone like him,” Stokes told.
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