England's Test skipper, Ben Stokes, may have to opt for knee surgery post the ODI World Cup, casting uncertainty over his participation in the crucial five-match series against India next year.
The celebrated all-rounder, once revered for his dual skills, has been plagued with chronic tendonitis in his knee this summer. This ailment has restricted him to play primarily as a specialist batsman in the recent three Ashes Tests. Stokes is expected to maintain this role during the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand and the World Cup in India.
Stokes has indicated that the long-overdue surgery could happen after the World Cup, though he remained tight-lipped about further details.
"I know what's going to happen, I just don't think now is right time to say what I'm doing," Stokes told reporters on Thursday 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.
"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," he added.
Considering the timing, if Stokes does undergo surgery after the World Cup, he might face a tight schedule to regain fitness for the five-Test series in India, which kicks off on January 25.
Post-knee surgery, athletes usually require a recovery window of 8-12 weeks, factoring in the nature of the operation and the duration of extensive rehabilitation. Given Stokes' hefty IPL contract exceeding a million pounds, a logical estimation points towards his return to top-tier cricket during next year's IPL.
It's worth noting that Stokes, after briefly considering retirement from the ODI format, made a comeback to be part of England's squad for the World Cup in India. The tournament commences on October 5, culminating in the grand finale on November 19.
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(With PTI inputs, powered by AI)
