"You can't compare anyone in India at the moment with Ben Stokes" - When Gautam Gambhir made stunning claim about England captain in 2020

Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir hailed England Test captain Ben Stokes as the most impactful player in world cricket in 2020. Gambhir even went to the extent of saying no Indian cricketer was in Stokes' league on impact.

The remarks from Gambhir came after the England left-hander smashed a brilliant 176 in the second Test of the home series against the West Indies, taking his series tally to an incredible 343 runs and nine wickets in two matches.

The champion all-rounder was in the middle of a purple patch across formats, having just helped England win their maiden ODI World Cup in 2019.

Stokes was the Player of the Final for his 84* off 98 deliveries in a tense run-chase against New Zealand.

Talking about Stokes' phenomenal run, Gambhir said on Star Sports (via New Indian Express):

"You can't compare anyone in India at the moment with Ben Stokes. Absolutely not, because Ben Stokes is in his own league. What he has done in Test cricket, in one-day cricket, in T20 cricket, I don't think so there's anyone, let alone in India, there isn't anyone who's even close to him in world cricket at the moment."

He continued:

"That is the kind of impact player you need in every line-up. It would be a dream for every captain to have someone like Ben Stokes whether he's batting, whether he's bowling, whether he's fielding. So, I think there are a lot of guys would be actually looking to be like Ben Stokes, but unfortunately, there's no one at the moment in world cricket."

Stokes has been one of England's greatest match-winners across formats, helping the side win the 2019 ODI and 2022 T20 World Cups.

Gautam Gambhir's India will look to break Ben Stokes' home record as captain

Gautam Gambhir has one of his most challenging assignments as India's head coach coming up in the five-Test series in England, starting June 20. Since Stokes took over as England's red-ball captain in 2022, the side has been unbeaten in home series.

They have won six out of their seven home Test series, with the 2023 Ashes ending in a draw. Despite disappointing results away from home, England have dominated sides in home conditions with their Bazball playing style.

Meanwhile, Team India are coming off back-to-back Test series losses to New Zealand and Australia. The Asian side will be without stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who announced their Test retirements last month.