Ben Stokes likely to go undergo surgery after World Cup 2023, could give India Test series a miss

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Ben Stokes has hinted that he would undergo a knee surgery after the World Cup 2023 which kick-starts in India from October 5. The 32-year-old England all-rounder, who has come out of ODI retirement to feature in the ICC event, will be in action on the opening day as his team and defending champions lock horns against New Zealand.

The talismanic England Test team captain came out of his ODI retirement on the request of white-ball captain Jos Buttler as the Three Lions look to defend their title under subcontinent conditions.

Speaking ahead of the first ODI of the ongoing 4-match series against New Zealand, Ben Stokes said that he has a plan in place for his troubling knee after talking with some specialists. Stokes added that post the World Cup 2023, he wishes to play as a genuine all-rounder.

The all-rounder hasn't bowled in the recent past due to his recurring knee issue. He bowled only 29 overs in five Test matches of the Ashes 2023.

"I know what's going to happen, I just don't think now is the right time to say what I'm doing," Stokes told reporters on Thursday.

"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.

In case the veteran of 97 Test matches undergoes surgery, he may be in a race against time to be fit for the five-match Test series in India, which starts from January 25 in Hyderabad. A player usually takes around 8-12 weeks of rehabilitation time to get back on the field after a knee surgery.