Ben Stokes Won’t Bowl In First Few Matches: IPL 2023 is all set to commence on 31 March with the opening match between defending champions Gujarat Giants vs Chennai Super Kings at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. MS Dhoni will be seen leading CSK for this season, this might be his last season playing in the yellow jersey. But this is not been officially confirmed by the MSD himself yet.
We are hearing news daily about the players’ injuries ahead of IPL 2023, players like Shreyas Iyer, Jonny Bairstow, Mukesh Chaudhary, Mohsin khan and some more are already ruled out from the season.
Also read: IPL 2023 List of All Injured Players & Their Replacement
CSK’s Ben Stokes is not fit for Bowling
In a major setback for Chennai Super Kings ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) season opener, star all-rounder Ben Stokes will not be bowling in the first few matches due to a left knee injury. The news was confirmed by CSK coach Michael Hussey, who stated that while Stokes is fit to bat, his bowling availability will be decided later.
Stokes, who was purchased by CSK for a whopping Rs 16.25 crores in the mini-auction, had received a cortisone shot in his left knee in preparation for the upcoming Ashes series. During England’s tour of New Zealand, the 31-year-old was not at his peak fitness and bowled only two overs in the second Test in Wellington.
The absence of Stokes’ bowling abilities will be a significant blow to CSK, who were banking on the Englishman to contribute with both bat and ball. However, Hussey remains optimistic about Stokes’ recovery and hopes to have him bowling later in the tournament.
“Stokes is equipped to bat right away and is ready to go” said Michael Hussey
“Stokes is equipped to bat right away and is ready to go. It won’t be long before his bowling is decided. He received an injection in his knee, I think he is expected to win.” I don’t do much magic in the first few matches of a tournament or a few weeks. I’m not completely sure. But hopefully, we can get him further in the tournament” said CSK coach Michael Hussey.
CSK will play their first match against defending champions
CSK will face Gujarat Titans in the opening match of the IPL, which is set to kick off in just two days. While the absence of Stokes’ bowling will be a blow, the team will still be relying on his batting prowess to provide them with the necessary impetus in the middle order.
Gujarat Titans led by Hardik Pandya, are the defending champions of this season. They won the IPL 2023 season by defeating Rajasthan Royals by a 7 wickets margin in the IPL 2022 final match at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.
With the IPL set to be played in bio-secure bubbles once again this year, teams will be hoping to avoid any major injuries to key players. CSK will be keeping a close eye on Stokes’ recovery, and fans will be hoping to see the all-rounder back in action with both bat and ball as soon as possible.
CSK Squad for IPL 2023
MS Dhoni (c), Ravindra Jadeja, Devon Conway, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ambati Rayudu, Subhranshu Senapati, Moeen Ali, Shivam Dube, Rajvardhan Hangargekar, Dwaine Pretorius, Mitchell Santner, Deepak Chahar, Tushar Deshpande, Mukesh Choudhary, Matheesha Pathirana, Simarjeet Singh, Prashant Solanki, Maheesh Theekshana, Ajinkya Rahane, Ben Stokes, Shaik Rasheed, Nishant Sindhu, Kyle Jamieson, Ajay Mandal, Bhagath Varma, Sisanda Magala
Also read: Chennai Super Kings Schedule for IPL 2023, All Matches Time Table
CWC 2023: Schedule | Points Table | Most Runs | Most Wickets | Most Sixes |
