Ben Stokes: While Ben Stokes’s potential retirement U-turn from ODIs for World Cup 2023 would have thrilled Jos Buttler and Matthew Mott, the same cannot be said for Chennai Super Kings (CSK), who possibly could be without the talismanic all-rounder for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season as the southpaw could likely undergo surgery during the IPL time.
Brought for a whopping 16.25 Crores in IPL 2022 mega auction, Stokes could only play two matches. However, the southpaw was looked as the potential leader after Dhoni’s retirement. With the England Test captain playing the World Cup 2023, CSK could ponder to release him in the mini auction in December 2023.
For the uninitiated, Stokes was looked at as Dhoni’s successor in CSK. It is still not sure whether Dhoni will continue to play one more season as he is also undergoing rehabilitation in Ranchi. Stokes’ sudden U-turn has put CSK in a tricky situation. “The England Test captain now appears willing to play World Cup if he is asked by white-ball captain Jos Buttler,” the report added.
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Stokes likely unavailability during the entire duration of IPL 2024 season, could prompt CSK to release him. In 16.25 crores, CSK could potentially buy two all-rounders. With Stokes also not bowling unless and until the surgery is done, CSK could take that big decision.
Ben Stokes: Why Stokes could miss IPL 2024 season
- After the Ashes 2023, Stokes is gearing up for the World Cup 2023 after Jos Buttler & Matthew Mott convinced the all-rounder to come out of retirement.
- The World Cup starts from October 5 to November 19. If England reaches the final, then the southpaw will have only a one-month break in December before embarking on West Indies tour.
- After the West Indies series, England travel to India in January and February to play five Test matches.
- Immediately after that IPL 2024 season will start in March end. The England Test captain will not get time for surgery if he plays IPL as well.
- After the series against India, England have a two-month break. Knee surgery is vital for Stokes as he can bowl at full capacity during T20 World Cup 2024.
- The showpiece event will start on June 4, and the southpaw could possibly go for surgery during IPL 2024 window.
With no Stokes, CSK could potentially look at Ruturaj Gaikwad as the captain. The opening batter has already been named as the captain for the Asin Games 2023. Ravindra Jadeja will likely not be given captaincy reins after the disastrous start to his tenure in 2022.
Gaikwad is the only option as he has been with CSK for over four years, and has leadership experience by leading Maharashtra in domestic tournaments.
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