IPL 2023: Ben Stokes – England all-rounders Ben Stokes and Moeen Ali have reached India today for the 16th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). CSK shared an update on social media confirming the same. CSK stars MS Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja welcomed the English duo. Fans have been waiting for Stokes, who was brought for 16.25 crore in the IPL mini-auction. While CSK teased fans on social media dropping hints, the southpaw arrived today and will begin training with the rest of squad members in Chennai. Follow IPL 2023 Live Updates with InsideSport.IN.
Good Morrow, Lads! The wait is over. 🔥#WhistlePodu #Yellove 🦁🥳 pic.twitter.com/btnULr6Tms
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) March 24, 2023
Stokes and Moeen Ali are two of the most explosive all-rounders going around. While Moeen is with the franchise since two years, this is the first time the England Test captain will turn out for CSK. The last edition, the all-rounder could not play IPL due to a finger injury. This season, Stokes is ready to make a huge impact for CSK with bat and ball in hand.
IPL 2023: Ben Stokes opens up about his availability for full season of IPL
Apart from the all-around prowess, the southpaw will also be part of the leadership group. However, there is a slight concern regarding Stokes availability for IPL 2023 season as a bowler, as he has lingering knee issues, which have prevented him from bowling full tilt multiple times. With Ashes also due to start in June, there are rumors that Stokes will not play playoffs if CSK qualifies for it. The southpaw updated the same to head coach Stephan Fleming and said if is fully fit.
“I’m going to the IPL. I’ve had conversations with ‘Flem’ and he’s fully aware of the situation with my body. It’s a week-by-week case at the moment. I’m not going to lie, it’s incredibly frustrating knowing something has been holding me back from performing as I’d like to.
“I’ve been working hard with the physios and the medics trying to get myself to a place where I can fulfill my role as I have done for the last 10 years,” Stokes said to Daily Mail.
Meanwhile, Moeen Ali is available for the whole season. The veteran retired from Tests and has no international commitments during the tournament. Ali has become an instrumental part in his two years at the franchise and will be the fulcrum of the side alongside Stokes and star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja.
CSK will kick off the IPL 2023 season by playing a match against Gujarat Titans on March 31. The ticket for the same is sold out, as 1,00,000 people will turn up at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad to watch their favorite stars in action.
