IPL 2023: Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023, is set to kick off on 31st March, the opening match is between defending champions Gujarat Titans and Chennai Super Kings (CSK). England’s test skipper Ben Stokes bowled just two overs in the second innings of the test match against New Zealand, England’s team lost the test match by 1 run after imposing a follow-on and the two test match series was tied by 1-1.
Stokes has been managing a left knee issue since taking over as captain in April 2022, but clearly struggled with it more than usual in the last test match against the Black Caps.
England skipper admitted that his injury is ‘ incredibly frustrating’ but believes to play in IPL 16-
” I’m not going to lie, it has been very frustrating knowing something has been holding me back from performing as I’d like to,”
“Over the next four months, I’m going to have a lot of time to give myself the best opportunity to get it right,” England’s star all-rounder said after a one-run defeat in Wellington Test.
The left-handed batter may not play a role with the ball in the IPL 2023, but he is expected to bat and field as normal. Stokes was purchased by CSK for a massive sum of INR 16.25 Crore at the IPL 2023 auction.
“Don’t worry, I’m going to the IPL. I’ve had conversations with Stephen Fleming [head coach at CSK] and he’s fully aware of the situation with my body at the moment. It’s a week by week case at the moment,” said Stokes.
” I’ve been working hard with the physios and the medics trying to get myself into a place where I can fulfil that role how I have done over the last 10 years,”
CSK fans, he's coming ? pic.twitter.com/Cr45tn9AXs
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) February 28, 2023
The left-handed batter became the fastest skipper from England to win the 10th longer format game, breaking Michael Vaughan’s record. The Ben Stokes-led side was on six test match winning streak before losing the last game.
” I’ve been in different situations where I’ve been good, I’ve gone through situations where it’s not been good. But if anything I’ll probably take my commitment to getting it better even more. I’ve been working hard with our physio and medics but once the games came around it’s been hard to get everything done around my knee,” concluded ace all-rounder.
Four-time winner CSK finished in the second last position in the last edition of IPL in 2022. The 16th edition of IPL will see 18 double-headed games for 70 league matches across 12 venues. The BCCI-owned 16th edition of IPL will kick off on 31st March 2023, while the winner will be decided on May 28 between 10 teams.