Defending champions of the IPL, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) surprised everyone as they released Ben Stokes from the squad ahead of the IPL 2024 auction. Meanwhile, CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan explained the reason for removing Ben Stokes from the CSK camp. He also went on to explain why the likes of Dwaine Pretorius, Sisanda Magala, and other players were released from the CSK camp.
CSK purchased Stokes for INR 16.25 Cr
Going into the IPL Auction next month, the biggest news from a CSK perspective is that they’ve released Ben Stokes. CSK had broken the bank to acquire the England player ahead of the 2023 IPL auction. The Yello Army had spent a staggering Rs 16.25 crore for the allrounder. But after months of injury concerns, Stokes has opted out of the upcoming IPL season. Stokes let the franchise know that he will miss the cash-rich league to ‘manage workload and fitness’.
Ambati Rayudu will also be a big absentee from CSK’s squad for the IPL 2024. One of IPL’s most decorated players, Rayudu announced his retirement from the T20 league last season.
CSK retained players: Ajay Mandal, Ajinkya Rahane, Deepak Chahar, Devon Conway, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana, Mitchell Santner, Moeen Ali, MS Dhoni, Mukesh Choudhary, Nishant Sindhu. Prashant Solanki, Rajvardhan Hangargekar. Ravindra Jadeja, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shaik Rasheed. Shivam Dube, Simarjeet Singh, Tushar Deshpande.
CSK released players: Ambati Rayudu (Retired), Dwaine Pretorius. Sisanda Magala, Kyle Jamieson, Ben Stokes , K Bhagath Varma, Akash Singh, Subhranshu Senapati.