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‘Ab India mein Bazball dekhne ko nahi milega’ – Fans react as Ben Stokes set to miss India Test series due to knee surgery

Ben Stokes last played an ODI against South Africa in 2022.

Sep 8, 2023 3:42 pm

In what could be massive news for England, Ben Stokes is set to miss the India Test series due to knee surgery. Various reports have indicated that Stokes could get the surgery done after the 2023 World Cup in India. Stokes was down with chronic tendonitis on his knee which meant he played more as a batter and did very limited bowling. The all-rounder will hope to do well for England come the 2023 World Cup. Stokes recently came out of ODI retirement to play in the tournament.

Stokes said that he would do the surgery after the 50-over tournament but did not disclose any further details regarding it. Even in the 2023 Indian Premier League, Stokes spent most of the time warming the benches for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and bowled very sparingly for the franchise. Stokes last played an ODI in 2022 against South Africa at home before he had called in quits in ODIs.

I want to be playing next summer as a genuine all-rounder – Ben Stokes

“I know what’s going to happen, I just don’t think now is right time to say what I’m doing,” Stokes said ahead of the first ODI against New Zealand. “I’ve been having some good conversations with some specialists. There is a plan in place. It’s nice knowing after the World Cup we’ve got something, a really good plan we can do and we can stick to.” he added. “I want to be playing next summer as a genuine all-rounder. This winter is all about playing this World Cup, then getting this knee sorted,” Stokes further said.

This could mean that Stokes would not be a part of the India series. The series will start on January 25. Stokes could take around 8-12 weeks to get back to proper fitness. Stokes was England’s impact player during the 2019 World Cup. He made 465 runs in 11 matches at an average of 66.42. He had the highest score of 89 and also picked up seven wickets with the ball. The Three Lions will look forward to defend their title in India.