ENG vs IND 2025: ‘He is giving an excuse’ – Dinesh Karthik slams Ben Stokes for disregarding WTC

Former Indian cricketer Dinesh Karthik criticised England skipper Ben Stokes for not giving the World Test Championship (WTC) the importance it deserves. Stokes has previously expressed confusion over the WTC points system and voiced frustration over the stringent penalties for slow over rates.

Despite three WTC cycles so far, England are yet to reach a final. Since taking over as captain in 2022, Stokes has overseen one full cycle (2023–25), where England finished fifth despite playing an extensive 22 matches over two years. While Karthik praised Stokes for revitalising England’s Test side following a difficult phase in 2021, he also suggested that the all-rounder’s apparent disregard for the WTC comes across as an excuse for underperformance.

"All they (England) have done in the last couple of years is prepare for The Ashes. We, in India, value the WTC a lot. Ben Stokes, for some strange reason, does not understand the table itself. I don't know if that is a bit of an excuse," Dinesh Karthik said on Cricbuzz.

India have enough to level the series: Karthik

Karthik also expressed confidence in India’s position, stating that they have enough runs on the board to level the series. He added that the pitch has not eased up significantly. England face the challenge of chasing a 374-run target in the fifth Test at The Oval to seal the series and face Australia, who currently sit atop the WTC standings with a 100% win, later this year.

"Oh, 100 percent (On India having enough on the board). I was convinced India needed to set 280-300 on this wicket. It feels like that (the pitch has eased out) because of the way they batted. Tomorrow, we'll see one or two kick-ups. I feel there is enough in this pitch to work with," Karthik added.

"I know India has a very strong chance walking into Day 4. I genuinely believe, with the attack and pitch being the way it is, it is very much within India's sight to win this Test match," he concluded.