England have announced their squad for the tour of India and the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. Jos Butler He will continue to captain the team amid speculation that he will step down after England's disappointing performance in the recent ICC events.
But the biggest surprise was his omission Ben Stokes From the ODI squad. Stokes is England's number one player and one of the most experienced players in the team. He is also a big match player and has performed admirably under pressure over the past few years.
Read also: ICC Champions Trophy 2025: England squad for CT and India ODIs announced, Ben Stokes left out
Why is Ben Stokes not included in the 2025 FA Champions Cup squad?
Following the squad announcement, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) revealed the reason for Ben Stokes' exclusion from the squad. Stokes suffered a left hamstring injury during the third Test match against New Zealand in Hamilton.
He suffered the injury during New Zealand's second half of the match and had to leave the field without completing his assignment. Currently, he is being evaluated and hence has not been selected in any of the squads.
“Durham all-rounder Ben Stokes has not been selected as he remains assessed after sustaining a left hamstring injury during the third Test match against New Zealand earlier this month,” the ECB said.
Stokes did not even come out to bat during England's massive 658-run chase. England were all out for 234 as they lost the match by 423 runs. However, the visitors were decisive series 2-1 after winning the first two tests of the series.
England feel the absence of Ben Stokes
Stokes' absence will hurt England because he has the skills and experience needed to succeed in major tournaments. He is best known for playing man of the match role in the 2019 ODI World Cup final to help England lift the trophy.
In the same year, Stokes played as a blinder during the Ashes Test match at Headingley to help England clinch a thrilling match over Australia. England won the famous match by one point as they chased down a massive target of 359 runs.
In 2022, he produced another impressive strike when his team was under pressure. The all-rounder hit an unbeaten half-century in the final to take his team over the finishing line.
Ben Stokes' history with injuries
Stokes has a long history with injuries. A few months ago, he injured his hamstring during a match at The Hundred and was subsequently ruled out of the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka.
Recently, he did not even put his name in the IPL 2025 auction to prolong his career in Test cricket. While he was a regular red-ball player in England difference Being captain, Stokes has not played a white-ball match in over a year.
His last ODI international match was in the 2023 ODI World Cup against Pakistan at Eden Gardens. His last T20I was also against Pakistan, in the final of the 2022 T20 World Cup.