Ben Stokes Urges Caution: England Must Not Underestimate India Despite Key Absences

England captain Ben Stokes has cautioned his team against underestimating India in the upcoming five-Test series, even with the absence of key players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravichandran Ashwin. Speaking ahead of the series opener, Stokes acknowledged the depth of talent within the Indian squad, stating that replacements would prove just as challenging to play against. Stokes, who has played alongside some Indian players in the IPL, emphasized the skill level of the younger players. He highlighted Jasprit Bumrah’s potential impact despite limited appearances and acknowledged the physical and mental demands of a five-Test series. This series marks the beginning of England’s World Test Championship campaign and the test of their ‘Bazball’ philosophy against India on home soil.