IPL2023: Big Blow to CSK; Ben Stokes’ Injury Relapses
Stokes likely to bat as a pure batter in IPL [Twitter]
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have been hit with a roadblock ahead of the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season.
As per a report by ESPNcricinfo, all-rounder Ben Stokes is likely to play as a specialist batter at the start of the season in order to manage his knee injury.
CSK went all-out to acquire the services of Stokes in the IPL mini-auction in December last year. The England Test skipper was bought for INR 16.25 crore and he arrived in India last week and has been preparing alongside his new teammates for the tournament opener against defending champions Gujarat Titans.
Super Kings' batting coach shed light on Stokes' injury
"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 on Saturday since he had his injections in his knee," Mike Hussey told to PA news and ESPNcricinfo.
He further added: "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."
Stokes had issues with his knee during England's tour of New Zealand in February. The all-rounder bowled only nine overs across two Tests and looked in discomfort.
He admitted that the recurring knee issue is 'frustrating', but believes that IPL would present him with an opportunity to forget all about the injury issues.
As per Cricinfo, Stokes has taken a cortisone injection, which reduces swelling ahead of the upcoming IPL season.
CSK's game-plan might take a hit with the latest news of Stokes. The four-time IPL champions have a strong squad and are gunning for their fifth title this season.
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