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When Will Ben Stokes Make His Comeback For CSK? Head Coach Stephen Fleming Answers

image-lhol4lwgStokes has been warming up the bench since a long time [Source: Twitter]

Legendary England all-rounder Ben Stokes was bought by Chennai Super Kings in the 2022 mega auction. Fans and experts called his inclusion a masterstroke, expecting the veteran to change the fortunes of the team by bringing the much-needed balance in their lineup. 

However, Stokes turned out to be a major disappointment, as he failed to live up to the expectations. After having a string of poor outings, he was eventually dropped from the playing XI and is yet to make his comeback. 

After CSK incurred a heavy six-wicket defeat to KKR on Sunday, CSK head coach Stephen Fleming was quizzed about Stokes' participation in the remainder of the tournament. 

However, the former New Zealand skipper answered that Stokes is still doubtful to bowl and hence can play only as a pure batter. But considering they play their next game in Delhi, it would be logical to persist with Moeen Ali, who could be an x-factor on the spin-friendly track of the venue. 

As Fleming put it, they have formed a settled XI and therefore, it wouldn't be a reasonable call to tinker with the combination at this stage of the event. 


Here's what Fleming stated

"Ben's ability to bowl overs at the moment is still a bit of a challenge, but he's there as that batting cover. But with Moeen bowling well in good conditions - we go to Delhi [next] which has been turning - we think the balance of the side has been right,

"And look, we're second on the table, so it's not our style to chop and change just because we've had a loss where things didn't go our way. We won't do that. We might tinker with it but we're very focused on getting the right team for Delhi."

Talking about CSK, the MS Dhoni-led outfit occupy the second position in the IPL 2023 points table with seven wins in thirteen appearances. They will take on Delhi Capitals in the 67th group-stage fixture of the tournament on May 20.