'He was pedestrian in India': Former India pacer's harsh take on Ben Stokes amidst Manchester Test

Former Indian pacer Dodda Ganesh has dismissed the hype around England captain and all-rounder Ben Stokes, questioning his ability to perform consistently in all conditions, particularly in India, amidst Manchester Test.

Stokes scripted history at The Old Trafford, Manchester, scoring a century and taking a five-wicket haul, a rare feat in Test cricket. His efforts helped England post a massive first-innings total of 669 runs, putting them firmly in control.

The 34-year-old became only the fifth captain in Test history to achieve the double of a century and a five-wicket haul in a single match. It also marked his first century in two years and first five-wicket haul in eight.

The accomplished all-rounder has amassed 14 centuries and picked up five five-wicket hauls in his 115 Tests. Yet, the 52-year-old downplayed Stokes achievements by questioning his performances across conditions, especially in India.

"A genuine all rounder is the one who delivers irrespective of the conditions. With due respect to Stokes, he was a pedestrian in India. The likes of Kapil Dev, Ian Botham and Imran Khan will always stay a few notches above the modern day all rounders," Dodda Ganesh posted on X.

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Stokes' unimpressive Test record in India

Stokes does not have have a good record on Indian soil. The all-rounder has played 14 Tests in India so far, scoring at an average of 27.66 across 28 innings, which is notably lower compared to his performance in English conditions. His bowling average in India stands at 37.64.

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Stokes overcomes discomfort

On Day 4 of the Manchester Test, Stokes did not bowl a single over. He had suffered a cramp on Day 3 while batting. He left the field, but returned to score 141, his 14th Test ton. On Day 4, he struggled in the field. He was also seen in discomfort, holding his right hamstring.

There were speculations around Stokes not bowling on Day 5. Even England assistant coach Marcus Trescothick was unsure of him bowling. However, he returned and dismissed KL Rahul in the first half an hour.