Ben Stokes to Start as Specialist Batter for Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2023

Michael Hussey Confirms Ben Stokes’ Role for Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2023

Chennai Super Kings’ batting coach Michael Hussey has confirmed that Ben Stokes will start the 2023 Indian Premier League (IPL) as a specialist batter for the team as he continues to recover from a knee injury. While Stokes is not expected to bowl much in the initial games, CSK is hopeful that he will be able to resume bowling at some point during the tournament. The franchise is in close communication with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) regarding Stokes’ participation in the league.

Stokes’ Recovery from Knee Injury and Impact on Chennai Super Kings’ Campaign in IPL 2023

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batting coach Michael Hussey has confirmed that Ben Stokes, who is recovering from a knee injury, will play as a specialist batter for the team in the beginning of the 2023 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. Hussey stated that the franchise is in close communication with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) regarding Stokes’ participation in the league.

During England’s recent Test series against New Zealand, Stokes was visibly hampered by the injury. Despite the upcoming Ashes series against Australia, Stokes had confirmed that he would fulfil his IPL commitment after the conclusion of the second Test match.

“My understanding is he’s ready to go as a batsman from the start. The bowling might be wait and see. I know he had his first very light bowl yesterday [Sunday] since he had his injections in his knee,” the former CSK opener and current batting coach told EspnCricinfo.

“The physios from Chennai and the ECB are working pretty closely together. My understanding is he won’t be bowling much at all in the first few games of the tournament… it might be a few weeks. I’m not 100% sure, [but we will] hopefully get him bowling at some stage in the tournament,” he added.

High Demand for English Players in IPL 2023

Stokes, who was purchased by CSK for a whopping Rs 16.25 crore in the IPL 2023 auction, is a big name in cricket and is expected to be a key player for the Chennai franchise, particularly as this may be MS Dhoni’s final season as a player for the team. The demand for English players has been high in the IPL 2023 auction, with players like Harry Brook, Sam Curran, and Stokes receiving large bids.

However, Stokes’ injury has raised questions about Chennai’s plans since he is expected to depart during the latter stages of the tournament to prepare for The Ashes series, which is set to begin in mid-June. Despite this, the franchise is hopeful that Stokes will play a crucial role in their campaign and help them win the IPL trophy.