England captain Ben Stokes praised Virat Kohli ahead of the five-Test series between India and England starting June 20. He said that it will feel strange not seeing the famous number 18 jersey on the field. Stokes added that India will surely miss Kohli’s "fighting spirit" during this tough tour. In a video released by England Cricket on their Instagram, Stokes said: "I think what India will miss will be his fighting spirit out in the game, his competitiveness, desire to win. He has made number 18 his, hasn't he? It'll be a bit weird not seeing number 18 on the back of anyone… of any Indian shirt, but he has been class for them for a long period of time." This will be India's first Test series in the absence of Kohli and Rohit Sharma, the latter of whom retired from Test cricket last month. Shubman Gill will be the Indian team's captain in their absence, kicking off a new chapter for Indian cricket. Kohli finished his 14-year Test career with 9,230 runs across 123 matches, with 30 centuries. His average was 46.85 and he was one of the greatest captains in Test cricket history with 40 victories as captain. Only Graeme Smith, Ricky Ponting, and Steve Waugh have won more. Ben Stokes also mentioned that he messaged Kohli once he retired. He complimented Kohli for his love and commitment towards the sport. He said: "I did text him, saying it's going to be a shame not to play against him because I love playing against Virat. We both love playing against each other because we have that same mindset when we are out in the field that it's a battle." Also Read | ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 Full Schedule Announced Watch the video here: View this post on Instagram A post shared by We Are England Cricket (@englandcricket) New Chapter for Team India The next five-Test series will also begin the new cycle of ICC World Test Championship (WTC) for both sides. India's English tour is set to commence at Headingley on June 20. The Edgbaston will host the second Test on July 2, with the third Test to be hosted by Lord's from July 10. The fourth will take place at Old Trafford, Manchester from July 23, and the last Test will be hosted at The Oval in London, from July 31.