CSK Head Coach Updates on Ben Stokes' Bowling Fitness
Ben Stokes scored seven runs vs Gujarat Titans (Source: Twitter/@IPL)
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) head coach Stephen Fleming provided an update on Ben Stokes' bowling fitness when asked about it in the post-match presser of the Indian Premier League (2023) opener.
Informing that Stokes is not fully fit, Fleming shared it will still take some time for the England Test skipper to be able to bowl for CSK. However, he is said to be "progressing well".
"He’s progressing well. He had a fair time off between the last Test match and getting here. And he had some medical work done on the knee. We want to do the right thing by making sure that he’s 100 percent ready to go. He’s not there yet and that includes bowling form. We are working closely with him, but he’s making really good progress.
"Really happy with what he’s done so far. I think he feels pretty positive about the progress he’s made. That’s another addition to the side - when he starts bowling. We’ve got some good players to come in and we’ve introduced some players today. So not all bad."
Stokes has knee issues, however, played as a specialist batter and scored seven runs yesterday in the game versus Gujarat Giants. As the 31-year-old is expected to not feature as an all-rounder for an indefinite period, it hurts CSK's balance as they are already too light on bowling armoury.
Chennai started their campaign on a poor note, losing the opening match of the season against the Titans by five wickets. The MS Dhoni-led side will return to their home ground as their next fixture is scheduled against Lucknow Super Giants at MA Chidambaram Stadium on April 3.
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