Despite the absence of senior stalwarts Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravichandran Ashwin, England Test captain Ben Stokes has emphasised that India is still a significant threat in the forthcoming five-match Test series. Stokes said that the Indian team still has enough talent to be a formidable opponent in his remarks prior to the series opener at Headingley.

Shubman Gill, who took captaincy duties after Rohit Sharma retired from the format, will be leading India in his Test series as a skipper. In addition, Rishabh Pant will be the vice-captain. In a high-stakes away series, the new leadership team will have to guide a comparatively younger team.

"A lot is being said about who’s not playing—about the likes of Rohit, Virat, or Ashwin—that doesn’t mean we think it’s going to be any easier than it ever is against India. The whole world knows how much talent there is in that cricketing powerhouse. Just because those guys aren't playing doesn’t mean whoever comes in to replace them will be any less challenging to bowl at or bat against, just because of how big the talent pool is in India," Stokes said.

"I’ve obviously spent a lot of time with those lads in the IPL, so I know that firsthand...They are still going to be tough," he added.

Following a one-off Test victory over Zimbabwe, England kicks off their World Test Championship (WTC) 2025–27 campaign with this series. Stokes admitted the difficulty of playing India again, though, as memories of their 4-1 loss there early last year will still be vivid.

"Look, I think first and foremost, it’s the five games against India that we’re focusing on. I know it’s going to be tough—it always is against India. Five Test matches are very demanding on the body, so yeah, we’ll be focusing on these five games first," he added.

Additionally, this will be the first time under Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum that England's aggressive 'Bazball' style will be put to the test at home against India. Stokes stated that their current focus is entirely on India, as the Ashes is set for November. He reaffirmed that England is not yet looking to the Ashes and that India is still a formidable team, even without some of their longstanding stalwarts. In what looks to be a competitive series, he stated that their goal is to prepare well and give it their all.

Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from Sports, Cricket and around the world.