Ben Stokes Cautions Against Underestimating India in Upcoming Test Series

England's Captain Prepares for Challenging Series Against India

As England gears up for a demanding five-match Test series against India, captain Ben Stokes has emphasized that his team is not taking the visitors lightly, despite the absence of some key players.

In a pre-series statement at Headingley, Stokes addressed the situation of the Indian team, which will be missing prominent figures like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and star spinner Ravichandran Ashwin. With many doubting India's competitiveness without these seasoned players, Stokes quickly dismissed any notion that England would have an easy time.

Stokes remarked, "The focus has been on who is missing – Rohit, Virat, Ashwin – but that doesn’t imply we think it will be easier than any other series against India. Everyone knows the depth of talent in India. The players stepping in will be just as challenging to face."

This series marks a new chapter for India, with Shubman Gill stepping up as Test captain following Rohit Sharma's retirement. Rishabh Pant will serve as vice-captain, ushering in a fresh leadership dynamic. Although both players are relatively new to captaincy, they have shown resilience and promise in their previous performances.

Stokes, who has played alongside several Indian players during IPL seasons, expressed his awareness of the skill levels of India's young talents. "I’ve spent time with some of these players in the IPL. They are exceptionally skilled. We recognize that this will still be a tough contest," he stated.

One of India's significant assets remains Jasprit Bumrah. Although the fast bowler is expected to participate in only three of the five matches due to workload management, his presence could be pivotal. Bumrah's ability to change the game with brief moments of brilliance makes him a crucial part of India's bowling lineup, even if used sparingly.

England enters this series following a narrow victory over Zimbabwe, but they are wary of the challenge India poses, especially after their 4-1 defeat in the subcontinent earlier this year. For Stokes and his team, this series also marks the start of their World Test Championship (WTC) 2025–27 journey.

Stokes clarified, "We’re not looking ahead to the Ashes right now. Our complete focus is on these five Tests. Competing against India is always a challenge – five consecutive matches are physically and mentally taxing. But that’s where our attention lies."

This series will also be the first test of England's much-discussed 'Bazball' approach against India on home soil under Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum. While the aggressive style has had mixed results, it remains central to England's red-ball strategy.

Despite the absence of some star players, India boasts a squad brimming with potential, and Stokes is not underestimating them. With both teams eager to set the tone for their WTC campaigns, an exciting and fiercely contested series is on the horizon.