CSK's hunt for MS Dhoni successor hits another snag, top contender Ben Stokes set to miss IPL 2024

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) search for a new captain has hit another roadblock. With talisman MS Dhoni not getting any younger, the five-time champions are aiming to identify a successor to their Thala. Ben Stokes, signed for a whopping Rs 16.25 crore, was considered a favourite, but now he has prioritized a World Cup 2023 return over the IPL 2024.

Stokes retired from the ODIs last year to focus on Tests and T20Is due to workload concerns. The maverick all-rounder has been long troubled by an injured knee, which requires surgery. With no commitments post Ashes, Stokes was in line to consult the medical staff and consider surgery as one of his options.

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However, that decision seems to have been delayed. England captain Jos Buttler and head coach Matthew Mott are keen for the 31-year-old to be part of England’s title defense. Stokes was the player of the match in their famous Super Over win over New Zealand in the 2019 World Cup final. He also put in a player-of-the-match performance against Pakistan in the T20 World Cup final last year.

Stokes’ participation in the World Cup seriously hampers his ability to be part of the IPL 2024. With the T20 World Cup also in June 2024, it is likely that the England Test captain pulls out of the competition altogether. He returns to the ODIs as a pure batter, with very limited bowling to keep himself as far away from injury as possible.

While there is no confirmation, Stokes is likely to pull out of the IPL for England’s future. And that leaves the MS Dhoni-led CSK in a tough situation. CSK had identified Stokes as one of their leadership options going forward. Despite playing just two games in IPL 2023, the Chepauk crowd gave the England superstar a raucous welcome.

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

Furthermore, 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. Should Stokes then make himself available for IPL 2025, CSK could risk losing him to another franchise.

Ben Stokes gave CSK an option of an experienced leader with international captaincy experience. With him likely to be out of the equation, there is a clear dearth of options. Ruturaj Gaikwad is regarded highly by the management and is likely to be the front runner. Ajinkya Rahane could also be an option, but at 35, he is also a stop gap option. The franchise could also dip into the IPL 2024 auction for captaincy picks, hoping to pick up a successor to Thala. Whether or not Stokes’ release helps that chase remains to be seen.

Cricket