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"Haven't Had A Drink" Ben Stokes Quits Alcohol In Rehab; Vows To Stay Fit For India Tests

Akshita Patel

Ben Stokes opens up on recovery [Source: @LuckyyGautam18/X.com]Ben Stokes opens up on recovery [Source: @LuckyyGautam18/X.com]

England’s star all-rounder Ben Stokes has disclosed that he has not touched a drink since January 2, 2025, as he prioritises his recovery and physical fitness for the impending hectic cricket season. Stokes explained that he made the decision after realising how alcohol may have affected his body and recovery in the past.

India is set to tour England in June for a 5-game Test series as the new WTC cycle will kick in. However, English skipper Stokes, reeling from a hamstring injury, took a bold step in his rehabilitation to ensure his fitness is right at where he wants it to be before the series begins.

Ben Stokes Drops Alcohol To Prioritise Fitness

In a recent podcast called ‘Untapped,’ Ben Stokes revealed that he quit drinking alcohol to ensure faster recovery. He underwent surgery on his hamstring in December 2024 and said that he threw himself into full rehabilitation and stopped drinking to give himself the best chance of being fit for England. 

“After my first major injury, I remember the shock of it, after the initial adrenalin, thinking, ‘How has this happened? We did have a bit of a drink four or five nights ago, could that have played a part? It wouldn’t have helped," Stokes said.

He suffered the injury during The Hundred last year, and it flared up again during the New Zealand Test in Hamilton, forcing him to miss the series against Sri Lanka and limiting his role against Pakistan.

While he doesn’t plan to give up alcohol forever, Stokes said he hasn’t had a drink since January and doesn’t plan to until he’s fully recovered and back playing.

“Then I was like, ‘OK, I need to start changing what I do.’ I don’t think I’ll ever be completely sober but I’ve not had a drink since January 2. I said to myself, ‘Not until I finish my injury rehab and get back on the field’. The day I wake up and can’t be bothered to do the training is getting towards that time you don’t really want it any more. But I haven’t got any interest in stopping," he added.

Before the long series against India, Stokes will lead England in a one-off Test against Zimbabwe.

Stokes Eager To Resume All-Round Duties

Captain Ben Stokes is confident of returning as a full-time all-rounder for England in the upcoming Tests against Zimbabwe and India. After recovering from hamstring surgery, Stokes said he's worked hard on his fitness and aims to come back stronger. The England captain will lead the side in a one-off Test against Zimbabwe from May 22, followed by a 5-Test series against India starting June 20, marking the start of the new WTC cycle.