Ben Stokes, the all-rounder of Chennai Super Kings, was unable to bowl in their initial Indian Premier League game against Gujarat Titans due to a persistent issue with his left knee. However, before their first home game against Lucknow Super Giants at MA Chidambaram Stadium, he suggested that he might be able to bowl.
Ipl 2023, During a pre-match interview with the broadcasters, he expressed satisfaction with his progress and stated that he had worked hard to reach his current level of fitness with his knee. “Things are looking good, and I’m hopeful that I may be able to bowl tonight,” he said.
In addition, Stokes revealed that he would be batting at number four for CSK throughout the tournament. He acknowledged that in a new team, it was important to accept one’s role and perform to the best of one’s abilities. Although most batsmen would prefer to bat higher up the order, he recognized that he had been entrusted with the responsibility of batting at number four.
Stokes also shared his anticipation for the upcoming game at Chepauk, which is hosting an IPL match after a gap of 1427 days. He expressed enthusiasm for the atmosphere that he and his teammates would encounter during the match, stating that everyone had been eagerly awaiting this day. Despite having played only a few games at this venue, he indicated that he had been working to comprehend the nuances of batting and bowling there.
Furthermore, Stokes acknowledged that spin would play a more significant role in the game at Chepauk as compared to Ahmedabad. However, he added that it was difficult to predict what kind of surface they would be facing, and therefore they would need to be flexible and adjust their game accordingly. “We will have to adapt and assess the conditions as we go along,” he concluded.
Deepak Chahar, the fast-bowling all-rounder for CSK, believes that he is prepared to shoulder more responsibilities for the team after being sidelined due to injuries during last year’s IPL season.
Stokes also reflected on his previous injuries, which had kept him out of action for an extended period. He had suffered from both a stress fracture in his back and a quad tear, which he acknowledged as serious injuries. The back, in particular, is a crucial muscle for a fast bowler, and it had taken him considerable time to recover from the injury.
Despite these setbacks, Stokes expressed a keenness to take on more responsibility in the team. As an experienced player, he recognized the importance of guiding new bowlers, taking wickets, and preventing runs. He also noted that the IPL 2023 was a platform for learning from one’s mistakes, but having a mentor to guide without making mistakes was especially valuable.
