Playing cricket in India during peak summer is no easy task. But when you mix 41-degree Celsius heat with a sudden stomach illness, it becomes even more punishing. During the fourth Test against India in Ahmedabad, England’s players were hit by both. Ben Stokes, the team’s captain, revealed that several members of the squad lost a noticeable amount of weight due to the conditions.
The intense heat combined with an untimely stomach bug created a perfect storm for physical exhaustion. It wasn’t just one or two players either. Multiple key players like Dom Sibley and James Anderson also reported weight loss as they battled through the match.
Ben Stokes Lost 5 Kg in One Week
Ben Stokes, known for his resilience on the field, admitted that the fourth Test took a toll on his body like few games before. Speaking after the match, Stokes shared that he had lost 5 kilograms in just one week. The weight loss was primarily due to a combination of high temperatures and a stomach illness that affected him and others on the team.
“It was brutal,” Stokes said. “We were all trying to keep fluids in and just get through the day. But when the heat is that intense and you’re not able to eat or hydrate properly, it takes a toll fast.”
Stokes is well known for his endurance and physical strength, but even he was pushed to the limit during this match. It was a reminder that even elite athletes are vulnerable when conditions become extreme.
Dom Sibley and James Anderson Also Affected
Stokes wasn’t the only one struggling. Opener Dom Sibley reported a 4 kg drop in body weight during the same period, while fast bowler James Anderson lost 3 kg. That’s a significant amount for any professional athlete, especially during a high-stakes international Test match.
All three players had to manage their performance while also coping with physical weakness. Their commitment to stay on the field and give their best despite these setbacks was commendable.
Fast bowlers like Anderson already face high physical demands during long innings, and losing body mass can make injury more likely. Yet he powered through, showcasing the kind of professionalism and mental toughness that Test cricket demands.
Playing in 41°C Is a Game in Itself
The weather in Ahmedabad during the fourth Test was harsh by any standard. Temperatures hovered around 41 degrees Celsius throughout the match. That kind of heat can be brutal even for spectators, let alone athletes playing for hours on the field.
Hydration becomes a constant battle. Sweat loss is extreme. Concentration begins to dip. Muscle fatigue sets in earlier. And when you’re already weakened by illness, all of these effects multiply.
The England team’s physios and support staff had their hands full trying to manage player hydration, energy levels, and nutrition under these punishing conditions. Cold towels, electrolyte drinks, and constant monitoring helped—but only to a certain extent.
A Test of Physical and Mental Endurance
For England, the fourth Test was not just a cricket match. It turned into a test of survival and perseverance. Battling high heat is one thing, but doing it while managing a stomach illness adds a different level of complexity.
Stokes mentioned that despite the illness, no one wanted to sit out. The players understood the importance of the match and chose to push through, despite the discomfort. That says a lot about their mindset and team culture.
However, these experiences also raise questions about how teams should prepare for extreme conditions. It’s one thing to train hard, but being mentally and physically prepared for such extremes is a different challenge.
Could Better Preparation Help in the Future?
Cricket boards often send their players to different regions ahead of a series to help them acclimate. But no amount of training can fully prepare a player for a combination of stomach flu and 40-plus-degree temperatures.
Teams may need to include climate-specific health plans in their pre-series prep. That could involve food safety guidelines, climate adaptation routines, hydration strategies, and even simulated heat training back home.
For England, this series will serve as a learning experience. It’s clear the team gave it everything despite the odds, but conditions like these test more than just skill. They test willpower, recovery, and adaptation.
Final Thoughts
The fourth Test between India and England in Ahmedabad will be remembered not only for the cricket but also for the extreme conditions faced by the visiting side. Ben Stokes losing 5 kg in a week, along with similar drops by Sibley and Anderson, shows just how demanding the sport can be in harsh climates.
Despite facing illness, dehydration, and oppressive heat, the England players chose to stay on the field and fight. Their performance under such conditions deserves respect. But it also highlights the need for better preparation and health planning in future tours, especially when teams are visiting countries known for extreme climates.
In the end, cricket is not just a test of talent. Sometimes, it’s also a test of endurance, grit, and the will to keep going—even when your body is begging you to stop.
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