Chennai Super Kings will be in a tough spot with Ben Stokes deciding to come out of ODI retirement to play World Cup 2023. The reason, the England Test captain will have to delay a knee surgery to be available for World Cup and T20 World Cup 2024 in June. But if he does play IPL 2024, he won’t be able to undergo surgery. Hence, Stokes, even though unannounced, is likely to pull out of IPL for England future. And that leaves MS Dhoni-led CSK in a tough situation.
After England coach Matthew Mott and white-ball skipper Jos Buttler reached out, Ben Stokes has decided to unretire from ODIs even if it costs him IPL as per The Telegraph.
“The England Test captain now appears willing to play World Cup if he is asked by white-ball captain Jos Buttler,” the report added.
Why Ben Stokes could miss IPL 2024?
- As Stokes readies to play in World Cup 2023, he will be in India for over one and half months.
- If England play the final, England players will only have about a month’s break before touring West Indies (December).
- Following West Indies, England will play 5-match Test series in India for nearly two months.
- And immediately after India vs England series, IPL 2024 will begin.
- If Stokes opts for IPL, he will be away from his home for nearly 5 months and it’s not feasible for him and his body.
- Furthermore, he has to undergo a knee surgery to be fully fit for T20 World Cup in 2024 which will begin immediately after IPL 2024.
As per the report, England are willing to have a half-fit Ben Stokes who can only play as a middle-order batter/ He may not bowl at full tilt for 10 overs. But that remains a mystery for now whether he would. Last year in IPL, Stokes missed most of the tournament and played only 2 games as CSK lifted the title.
As Stokes was not fully fit to bowl with England barring him from bowling a limited number of overs, Chennai Super Kings captain MS Dhoni did not want to take the gamble.
Why it’s CSK loss?
Now, with Ben Stokes likely to miss the IPL, it puts CSK in jeopardy. At some point, CSK had to think about captaincy. After MS Dhoni, Ben Stokes was the ideal candidate to replace him. However, now, with the uncertainty, CSK will have to rethink.
Furthermore, Stokes did not come cheap. CSK spent Rs 16.25 Crore to secure his service. If they retain him, it will make a big hole in their salary purse. Instead, CSK could release him to free up the purse and try another seam bowling all-rounder instead.
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