'He will go down as one of the greatest across formats' - Ben Stokes on Virat Kohli's comment on his ODI retirement post

England’s star all-rounder Ben Stokes received praises from all around the globe for his contribution to ODI cricket after the southpaw decided to retire from the 50-over format after the first ODI against South Africa. He announced his shocking decision via his social media handles and even garnered a response from Virat Kohli. Stokes spoke about Kohli’s comments while talking with the official broadcaster.

The flamboyant cricketer completed his much-awaited return to international cricket after a five-month break from cricket due to injury concerns and mental health issues, in the 2021-22 Ashes. And after Joe Root vacated the leadership role in Tests, he was appointed as the new captain of the side and made an instant impact with a 3-0 whitewash of the Kiwis before pushing India to a defeat in the rescheduled fifth Test at Edgbaston.

He had a lengthy chat ahead of his final hurrah in the 50-over format and addressed Virat Kohli’s comment on his retirement post while highlighting the former Indian skipper’s impact in the game. The Kiwi-born cricketer revealed that he loved playing against the Indian cricketer, especially due to the energy he brings to the game, making people realize what it means to play at such a top level.

“It was nice to hear. He’s going to go down as one of the greatest ever in all formats. I’ve loved it every time I’ve played against him. The energy and commitment he gives I’ve always admired, “When you play against guys like that, you understand what it means at the top level,” Ben Stokes said of Virat Kohli while speaking ahead of his final ODI.

I didn’t like the feeling of not being able to contribute in the way I wanted to: Ben Stokes

Stokes reiterated the reason behind his retirement as he believes he is not performing at the optimum level and the England team deserves players who can give their 100 percent for the team. He did not want to stop the young players from making it into the team by hogging a place.

“As I said in my statement, this England shirt deserves 100 percent from whoever wears it and unfortunately I didn’t like the feeling of not being able to contribute in the way I wanted to – and the feeling of stopping someone else from being able to progress in this format,” Stokes added.