India and England are locked in a gripping five-match Test series, brimming with memorable moments. As the series progresses, anticipation builds for Virat Kohli’s return to the Indian XI, initially expected after missing the first two Tests due to personal reasons. However, the 35-year-old stalwart is now slated to sit out the entire series.

Addressing Kohli’s absence, England skipper Ben Stokes shared his perspective ahead of the third Test in Rajkot. Stokes emphasized the need to refrain from labeling Kohli’s situation as positive or negative for either team and extended well wishes to the Indian captain during this challenging time.

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“I don’t mean to say anything disrespectful to the question. I think when it’s situations like these, when someone is missing a big series and a lot of cricket due to personal reasons, which we are not sure of, we shouldn’t label that as positive or negative to our team,” Ben Stokes remarked in a video shared by the ECB.

“We should just let it be. It’s a broader loss for cricket. I wish Virat, whatever he is going through, all the best. I wish he comes through it. Virat Kohli, on a cricket field, is something that everybody wants to see,” he added.

Kohli’s absence has left a void in the Indian batting lineup, amplifying the challenge for the host team. Alongside Kohli, wicketkeeper-batsman KL Rahul will also miss the upcoming Test.

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Following a defeat in the series opener in Hyderabad, where Ollie Pope shone for England, India bounced back in the second Test, buoyed by stellar performances from Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill. With the series leveled, the stage is set for a compelling showdown in Rajkot as India seeks to seize the lead.