Ben Stokes' captaincy of the England Test team, once lauded for its transformative impact and aggressive approach, is now facing increased scrutiny. While his tenure began with a wave of exhilarating victories and a fresh, attacking style dubbed "Bazball," recent performances, particularly against formidable opponents like India and Australia, have led some to question the effectiveness of his leadership.

Stokes assumed the captaincy in 2022, inheriting a team struggling after a series of defeats. His partnership with coach Brendon McCullum sparked an immediate change, marked by bold declarations, rapid scoring, and a fearless attitude. This approach led to impressive series wins, including a memorable victory in Pakistan. Stokes' aggressive strategy has introduced a dynamic style of play, evident in England's high scoring rates. He also contributes with both bat and ball, scoring crucial runs and picking up important wickets.

However, the initial euphoria has subsided, and tougher challenges have exposed vulnerabilities. The 2023 Ashes series was drawn, and a tour of India resulted in a 4-1 defeat. These results have prompted critics to suggest that "Bazball" sometimes lacks the necessary focus on winning, prioritizing entertainment over strategic pragmatism. Some point out that while Stokes' leadership has been effective in certain conditions, it has not consistently delivered against top-tier teams.

Adding to the debate is Stokes' own form with the bat. Since the start of 2024, his batting average has been a mediocre 26.56. While injuries have limited his bowling, his primary role as a specialist batter has come under scrutiny. A recent golden duck in the second Test against India has further fueled the criticism. Some observers question his shot selection and ability to dictate the tempo of his innings.

Former players and pundits have voiced their concerns about Stokes' tactical decisions. Ian Chappell criticized Stokes' strategy during a Test match against India, questioning his choice to use a part-time spinner instead of a seasoned bowler at a crucial moment. Another former Indian batter stated that they never understood the hype around Ben Stokes' captaincy. They questioned some of his decisions, such as choosing to bowl on a flat track and not employing an extra slip in another situation.

Despite the criticism, Stokes retains a strong win percentage as captain. As of July 1, 2025, he had 21 wins in 34 Tests, giving him the best win percentage (61.76%) of any England captain who has led in at least 15 Tests. He has also spoken about the importance of winning and has set his sights on taking England to the number one spot in the world rankings. Stokes has also defended his team's training methods against claims that they don't train hard enough. He also defended Ollie Pope after he faced criticism for his lean patch since taking over the captaincy.

As England progresses through the 2025 season, with a home series against India and an Ashes tour on the horizon, Stokes' leadership will be under intense examination. Whether he can adapt his approach, rediscover his batting form, and guide England to consistent success against top opponents remains to be seen.