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New Delhi: England head coach Brendon McCullum has admitted he tried to convince Ben Stokes to rethink his decision to retire from international cricket but said the England captain had already made up his mind when they spoke.

Stokes’ retirement came during the third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge, a match England lost by 160 runs as they also slipped to a 1-2 series defeat. The announcement on the fourth day of the match surprised both teammates and fans, bringing an emotional end to his international career.

While speaking to Sky Sports, McCullum said his first instinct was to talk Stokes out of retiring. “When he confirmed to me that he was going to retire, first I tried to talk him down,” he said. “But it became pretty obvious that he had made his decision and he was at peace within.”

The England coach admitted the moment brought sadness, given the close working relationship the two had built over the past four years. He described Stokes as a “leader of men” and praised the way he inspired those around him both on and off the field.

“He is a big presence and people follow him because of his conviction,” McCullum said, adding that Stokes brought a sense of calm even in unpredictable match situations.

McCullum also said Stokes deserved a proper farewell from fans, suggesting that supporters should have had the chance to say goodbye to one of England’s most influential cricketers of recent times.

Despite the setback, McCullum said Stokes had been a unique leader whose impact went beyond cricket. “No one can play forever, no one can captain forever,” he added, noting that England would now begin the process of identifying a new direction.

Despite the setback, McCullum insisted his commitment to English cricket remains strong, saying he believes the team can continue to grow and build a clear identity moving forward.