Four-time champions Chennai Super Kings might be without the services of their all-rounder Ben Stokes for the high-octane clash against their arch-rivals Mumbai Indians on Saturday. The England red-ball skipper was brought for whopping 16.25 crores in the IPL auction but has not lived up to the expectation so far.
According to the reports, from Indian Express, Ben Stokes hurt his heel during the practice session at the Wankhede Stadium on Friday and looked at the pain and has been advised to rest for 10 days. The management and medical team will assess his condition on Saturday afternoon, before taking a final call on his participation in the match.
Speaking to the media ahead of their match against five-time champions, when asked about whether Stokes is a potential captaincy option for CSK, their star all-rounder Moeen Ali said Ben Stokes is enjoying his stint with the Chennai team and reckons that his experience will help the domestic players around him.
“He’s enjoying himself. CSK is the type of franchise where you come here and you do tend to enjoy yourself and love playing for this franchise. He’s settled in really well. He’s a big part of the team with his experience,” Moeen Ali said.
Chennai Super Kings side comes into the game on the back of a big win against the Lucknow Super Giants and Moeen Ali was their star performer in the match as picked up four wickets for just 26 runs picking up the important wickets of KL Rahul and dangerous Kyle Mayers.
It is Like Manchester United Playing Liverpool – Moeen Ali On Their Match Against Mumbai Indians
Moeen Ali believes that game against Mumbai Indians is a high-stakes match as both the teams have got huge fan-following and reckons that it is one of the most famous rivalries outside International cricket and cited the example famous Manchester United and Liverpool rivalry in English Premier League.
“This is a game I look forward to. These are the two most successful franchises and the fan following is huge this is one of the biggest games you can play as a cricketer outside of international cricket. From a football point of view, it is like Manchester United playing Liverpool. These are huge games,” Ali said.
Moeen Ali backed their pacer Deepak Chahar to do well in the forthcoming games stating that he is coming off a big injury and urged him to get better as the tournament progresses. The 30-year-old was not his best against Lucknow Super Giants as he conceded 55 runs from his 4 overs.
“I think the only thing he is lacking is game time. He had a bad injury and is coming back after a long time. Unless you can bowl in a proper game which you need as a bowler, he will get better as the tournament goes on. He is a big bowler for us and when he gets it right he gets three or four wickets in the powerplay,” Moeen Ali added.
Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings will lock horns in the 12th match of IPL 2023 in Mumbai on Saturday, April 8.