“One of the players of our generation” - When Ben Stokes & Virat Kohli picked each other as their favorite cricketers
During the 2023 World Cup, Virat Kohli and Ben Stokes interacted with Star Sports and picked their favorite cricketers. Interestingly, both star players chose each other despite having some intense face-offs earlier in their respective careers.
Kohli has had a monumental impact on the cricketing world with his unmatched passion to garner runs and win the game for the country. He currently sits fourth on the list of highest run-scorers across all formats with 26,942 runs in 533 games, at a prolific average of 53.35 and scoring 80 centuries. The former Indian skipper is second in terms of reaching the three-figure mark behind Sachin Tendulkar (100).
Stokes has scored over 10,000 runs across all formats in 262 appearances, with 18 centuries. He is remembered for his heroic century in the Headingley Test in Ashes 2019 and clutch performance in the 2019 World Cup final, both ending in favor of England. Moreover, Stokes has recently found success as a captain with England, winning 17 out of 27 Tests.
In the aforementioned interaction, Virat Kohli picked Ben Stokes as his favorite cricketer, without further adding to his rationale. Stokes chose Kohli due to his energy and also praised his record-breaking career.
Here's what the England skipper said:
“Virat is one of 'the players' of our generation. His energy, his excitement, his enthusiasm. It's great whenever you play against him. A phenomenal player, his records speak for itself.”
Ben Stokes to captain England in a Tour to Pakistan next month
England Cricket recently announced the 17-man squad for the Pakistan tour, consisting of a three-test match series.
The biggest talking point of the squad was the return of skipper Ben Stokes, who missed the home Test series against Sri Lanka. The veteran all-rounder sustained a hamstring injury during The Hundred 2024.
The series will be crucial for England in terms of their position in the World Test Championship (WTC) standings. They are currently placed sixth with eight wins in 16 games, with a point percentage of 42.19.
The English will have to win all their remaining six games (3 each against Pakistan and New Zealand) to remain in the fray for the top two spots to enter the WTC final.