India batter Virat Kohli has reacted to the shocking news of England all-rounder Ben Stokes announcing his retirement from ODIs after the first match against South Africa on July 19 at his home ground in Durham.
Stokes has played 104 ODI matches and is set to end his international career in the format on his home ground at the Seat Unique Riverside. He has 2919 runs and 74 wickets in ODIs with 3 centuries and the best score of 102* and best bowling figures of 5/61.
His biggest achievement was helping England win the 2019 World Cup. He scored 84* to help England tie the final match and send it in to a super over, which then England won. Stokes was named the Player of the final for his efforts.
Ben Stokes cited that playing in all three formats of the game has become unsustainable for him and hence he has decided to retire from ODI cricket. He also revealed that the upcoming first ODI against South Africa will be his final ODI match for England which will be played in front of his home crowd in Durham.
"I will play my last game for England in ODI cricket on Tuesday in Durham. I have decided to retire from this format. This has been an incredibly tough decision to make. I have loved every minute of playing with my mates for England. We have had an incredible journey on the way.
Three formats are just unsustainable for me now. Not only do I feel that my body is letting me down because of the schedule and what is expected of us, but I also feel that I am taking the place of another player who can give Jos and the rest of the team their all. It’s time for someone else to progress as a cricketer and make incredible memories like I have over the past 11 years,” parts of Stokes’ message on social media read.
Meanwhile, his announcement garnered huge responses from both the fans and cricket fraternity. This included India’s Virat Kohli as well, who posted a message on Stokes’ Instagram announcement.
“You’re the most competitive bloke I’ve ever played against, Respect,” Kohli said.
