‘Just an excuse’ – Dinesh Karthik criticizes Ben Stokes for ignoring WTC

England captain Ben Stokes has come under fire from former Indian cricketer Dinesh Karthik for failing to give the World Test Championship (WTC) the respect it merits. Stokes has previously complained about the harsh penalties for sluggish over rates and expressed concern about the WTC points system.

England has yet to advance to a final in three WTC cycles. Stokes has managed one complete cycle since taking over as captain in 2022 (2023–25), in which England placed fifth despite playing a total of 22 games over two years. Although Karthik commended Stokes for bringing England’s Test team back to life after a challenging 2021 season, he also noted that the all-rounder’s seeming disdain for the WTC came across as a justification for poor play.

“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 has sufficient to tie the series: Dinesh Karthik

India has enough runs on the board to tie the series, Dinesh Karthik added, expressing confidence in their position. The pitch hasn’t gotten much easier, he continued. In order to complete the series, England must chase a 374-run goal in the fifth Test at The Oval. Later this year, they will play Australia, who now lead the WTC standings with a perfect record.

“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.