IPL 2023: MS Dhoni Successor – Chennai Super Kings are actively working towards a future with IPL 2023 expected to be Captain MS Dhoni’s final swansong. CSK’s succession plan to hand Ravindra Jadeja the leadership went sideways in a forgettable campaign. Now Ben Stokes has arrived at the Chepauk, with the England Test captain groomed to be Dhoni’s next in line. Follow IPL 2023 LIVE Updates on Insidesport.IN
While there is no official succession plan in place, Ben Stokes arrival at CSK has certainly created a buzz. Chennai’s most expensive player ever, Stokes has garnered much popularity over the last few days earning superstar status even without Playing a single match.
During the practice session in front of fans, many fans chanted ‘Ben Stokes, Ben Stokes’ to cheer him on. The 31-year-old responded with some big hits to entertain the fans. While he is no MS Dhoni, Stokes is the closest CSK could get to match the farmer’s enigma, charm and superstar status. Having learnt from the Ravindra Jadeja fiasco, CSK have left the decision to Dhoni to choose his successor.
“That call is for Dhoni to take and we have left it to his choice. Our role as always ends with assembling the team that Dhoni asks for and we are a team that is always process-oriented. And that process has started since the time the players landed in the city on March 2 for the preparatory camp,” a CSK official told Indian Express.
Ben stokes 👋💛#WhistlePodu @ChennaiIPL #IPL pic.twitter.com/33rueYEEYs
— CSK Fans Army™ (@CSKFansArmy) March 28, 2023
Stokes is already being billed as the chosen one and is believed to be on top of MS Dhoni’s wish list before the IPL 2023 Auction. The duo played together at Rising Pune Supergiant in 2017, and Dhoni saw enough to be swayed by the Englishman. Head coach Stephen Fleming is also an admirer and has reportedly held discussions with Brendon McCullum, a former CSK star and England coach, on the same. How England has transformed in test cricket under Stokes has also been well-received by Dhoni and Fleming.
The 31-year-old also has a very MS Dhoni-like approach to cricket. Stokes backs his team’s strength and keeps it simple. Like Dhoni, Stokes is a big crowd puller, is an inspirational leader and can pull off miracles with the bat. An Indian Express report suggests that the IPL 2023 season is a learning curve for Stokes. The Englishman has the chance to learn about CSK and get acquainted with the players and management before taking up the armband.
For now, 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.
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.
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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