When Stokes plays India, it’s never just cricket.
It’s emotion. It’s mind games.
It’s spicy crowd energy and elite cricketing chaos.
Let’s break it down.
😤 2016 T20 World Cup – The Birth of a Rivalry
India vs England. Semi-final. Mumbai.
Ben Stokes bowls the 19th over of his life. Dot balls, death bowling masterclass.
India gets knocked out.
He celebrates like a wild animal.
Crowd doesn’t forget.
And neither does Stokes.
💣 2016 WT20 Final – Karma Hits Back
England vs West Indies. Stokes gets the ball in the 20th over.
Carlos Brathwaite says: “Remember the name.”
Hits FOUR straight sixes.
Stokes is heartbroken.
Indian fans? 😈 “You deserved it, bro.”
🔥 2018 Test Series in England – All Business
Stokes rips through India in 1st Test at Edgbaston –
Takes 4/40, including Virat Kohli at a crucial moment.
England wins.
But this ain’t over.
🧠 2021-22: Kohli vs Stokes – The Verbal Duels Begin
Ahmedabad. Chennai. Lords.
Wherever they meet, there’s tension.
- Words exchanged.
- Cold stares.
- Bump-shoulder energy.
Stokes: “I don’t back down.”
Kohli: “Neither do I.”
Cricket alpha vs alpha.
⚔️ 2021 Lord’s Test – Peak Madness
India’s tail (Shami-Bumrah) humiliates England.
Stokes chirps. Bumrah bounces back.
Crowd gets wild. Kohli’s punching the air.
India wins with an epic Day 5 comeback.
Stokes left fuming.
Whole series became personal after that.
💪 2024 Test Series Incoming…?
There’s always an undercurrent of unfinished business.
Whenever Stokes faces India —
- He bowls harder.
- He bats braver.
- And he chirps louder.
This rivalry is not over.
👑 Final Word
Ben Stokes vs India is not a rivalry of hate —
It’s one of intensity, respect, ego and elite skill.
We respect the man.
But we also love beating him.
And the day India meets Stokes again…
You know it’s gonna be box office.
