India are all set to take on England in a five-match Test Series beginning from June 20, which will mark the team's first foray into the World Test Championship 2025 campaign. India will be msing the services of Virat Kohli, who recently announced his retirement from Test cricket. Now, the England captain for that series, Ben Stokes has revealed his message to Kohli after his shocking retirement.

In a video posted by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), Stokes said that India will miss Virat Kohli's fighting spirit. He also revealed that he sent Kohli a text message saying that he would miss playing against him during the five-match India vs England series.

"What India will miss is his fighting spirit on the field, his competitiveness, his desire to win. He's made No. 18 his own - we might never see it on the back of another Indian shirt. He's been pure class for such a long time. I texted him saying it's going to be a shame not playing against him this time. I love playing against Virat. We've always relished the contest because we share the same mindset on the field - it's a battle," Stokes said.

Ben Stokes further went on to say that Virat Kohli has been incredible in all formats, especially in white-ball cricket. He also added that he would miss Kohli's iconic cover drive

"He's been incredible. He deserves all the accolades. No doubt, there's been plenty of praise for him in India and here as well. He's done well in England too. In white-ball formats, he's been outstanding. One thing I'll always remember about Virat is how hard he hits the ball through the covers - that cover drive will live long in the memory," Stokes added.