Big Jolt for CSK! Ben Stokes to start IPL Season as pure Batter to Manage knee injury
England Test captain Ben Stokes is set to begin the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 as a batsman only after having a cortisone injection in his troublesome left knee ahead of the Ashes, according to Mike Hussey.
Stokes was signed by the Chennai Super Kings for an impressive fee of 16.25 crore in December. But the star all-rounder was not fully fit during England’s recent tour of New Zealand, and after bowling just two overs in a dramatic one-run defeat in the second Test in Wellington the 31-year-old said:
“I’m not going to lie, it’s incredibly frustrating knowing something has been holding me back from performing as I’d like to.”
Mike Hussey Confirms Ben Stokes to start IPL as pure batter
CSK’s batting coach Michael Hussey said that the franchise is working closely with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).
“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,” said Hussey on Tuesday.
The CSK physios are working closely with ECB to keep Stokes fit and ready to play. England Test coach Brendon McCullum had said he’d be in touch with Stephen Fleming after the NewZealand series. Fleming and McCullum played together for the Kiwis for a number of years.
A decision on Stokes’ availability is yet to be taken. The England test captain had hinted at leaving the IPL 2023 early to prepare for the Ashes in July. He also expressed interest to feature in the Ireland Test, which starts on June 1. The IPL Final is set to be played on May 28.
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