'We didn't have a chance in hell of even competing' - Ben Stokes' honest assessment after series loss

England lost their first-ever series under Ben Stokes’ captaincy after India beat them by five wickets in the fourth Test in Ranchi. Chasing a tricky target of 192 in the fourth innings, India were left reeling at 120/5 before Shubman Gill (52* off 124) and Dhruv Jurel (39* off 77) took them home with their measured unbeaten 72-run stand.

Despite England’s loss, Stokes was proud of his team for the kind of fight they had shown throughout the series. The England captain stated they ‘didn’t have a chance in hell’ of competing against India but gave them a run for their money in Ranchi on Day 4.

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"3-1 doesn't look great, but the way in which we've come at India is what I'm most proud of. We didn't have a chance in hell of even competing with India. But even today (Monday), that wasn't an easy win for India, and I think they would admit that," Stokes told English media.

He further lauded his side for being successful for over the two years he's captained the side and acknowledged India’s dominance at home. Stokes also extolled his players for the character they'd shown as they threw everything at India. 

"This young, inexperienced team has been successful over the past two years, but coming to India is a completely different beast, something that this team hasn't been exposed to. The way in which we have reacted to everything, even being on the wrong end of three results, is something I'm incredibly proud of. I'm very proud of the way every player has thrown everything at India. No one has ever taken a backward step," Stokes added.

England will look to end the tour on a high in Dharamshala

Notably, before coming to India, England had a phenomenal record under the regime of Ben Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum, having won 14 out of the 18 matches played. They started the India tour on a high winning the first Test in Hyderabad by 28 runs after being 190 runs behind after the culmination of their first innings.

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However, they failed to continue their winning momentum losing the next three Tests and lost the chance of winning the series. England will be eager to conclude the series on a high note by prevailing in the fifth Test in Dharamshala, scheduled to begin from March 7, 2024.