England’s Test captain, Ben Stokes, is likely to undergo knee surgery following the conclusion of the ODI World Cup, which may jeopardize his participation in the crucial five-match away series against India next year.
Stokes, once considered a premier all-rounder, has struggled to bowl this summer due to chronic tendonitis in his knee. In recent Tests against Australia, he has primarily played as a specialist batter. This role is expected to continue in the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand and the World Cup in India.
While Stokes confirmed his intention to undergo surgery after the World Cup, he did not disclose specific details, saying, “I know what’s going to happen, I just don’t think now is the right time to say what I’m doing.” He has been consulting with specialists and has a plan in place for his recovery.
Stokes expressed his desire to return as a genuine all-rounder by next summer, emphasizing the importance of addressing his knee issues during the winter. However, if he does opt for surgery post-World Cup, he may face a race against time to regain fitness for the five-Test series against India, scheduled to start on January 25.
Recovery from knee surgery typically takes 8-12 weeks, depending on the nature of the operation and the duration of rehabilitation. Considering Stokes’ lucrative IPL contract, his ideal return may be targeted for next year’s IPL season, taking into account the time required to resume top-flight cricket.
Stokes has recently rejoined England’s ODI squad for the World Cup in India, reversing his earlier decision to retire from the format. The tournament begins on October 5, with the final set for November 19. His participation in the World Cup remains a significant focus for England, given his dynamic skill set and experience.
