Sachin Tendulkar, the cricket icon, provided a poignant tribute to England’s all-around performer, Ben Stokes, following his retirement from the sport in international cricket during his third Test against New Zealand in Nottingham.
Stokes concluded an outstanding international career by closing out a fantastic three-and-a-half-day series with New Zealand’s 160-run victory in the final and deciding Test against England. The England captain paid his last visit to the dressing room balcony to watch the match’s last moments broadcast live, as English cricket came to a close.
Taking to social media platform X, Sachin Tendulkar praised Stokes for his fearless approach, leadership and ability to deliver under pressure throughout his career.
The Indian batting supreme also wished that Stokes the success of what comes next in his life will be “difficult” considering his “diversion time” away from the middle now till inception of the subsequent phase? Inkeli Kuehi’s already given me good luck for my next!
Stokes was capped for England 13 times in the 46 Tests he was behind the ball with, leading the team from 2022-26 and one of the most decorated careers in modern cricket. He was also banned when he missed the second Test against New Zealand earlier in the series for similar discipline issues after he misbehaved with team-mate Gus Atkinson by breaking the team’s curfew.
Looking back at his retirement, Stokes was pleased with his decision, and he theorised he’d feel comfortable watching the 2027 Ashes from the comfort of his own home, marking the end of an iconic international career that saw memorable appearances in all formats.