IPL 2023: Ben Stokes Injury Update – Chennai Super Kings (CSK) star Ben Stokes will start the IPL 2023 as a specialist batter to help manage his knee injury. The England Test Captain has had a troublesome left knee and with the Ashes 2023 coming up, the all-rounder is doing all he can to manage his workload. The 31-year-old has taken a special injection to his knee and could return to bowling in the latter stages of the tournament. Follow IPL 2023 LIVE Updates on Insidesport.IN
The most expensive player in CSK history, Ben Stokes will start IPL 2023 as a specialist batsman. As per ESPN Cricinfo, Stokes continues to struggle with his recurring left knee injury that flared up once again during the New Zealand tour. The 31-year-old was in physical discomfort and only bowled 9 overs across two Test matches. While batting he was on occasion seen clutching his knee in pain.
The report states Stokes underwent scans for the injury but reports returned normal. He received a specific diagnosis for the same but has kept that a secret. For now, the England all-rounder has taken a cortisone injection for the IPL. It is a common anti-inflammatory injection which reduces swelling.
“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. 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,” Michael Hussey, CSK’s batting coach told ESPN Cricinfo.
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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