Former Indian Opener Aakash Chopra believes Ben Stokes is better suitable to play at the top of the order replacing Robin Uthappa. Chennai Super Kings went hard for the England skipper in the IPL auction 2023, where they picked him for a whopping 16.25 crores.
With the IPL 2023, scheduled to begin on Friday, cricket experts have started to share opinions on IPL teams and players. Speaking on his youtube channel, Aakash Chopra feels the England skipper is better suited to play at the top as he takes time to settle in the middle.
“As we saw in the World Cup as well, he likes to take his time in the middle. He plays better at no.3 as well, and in the IPL, his only century came when he batted up in the order. So, it’s hard to understand what’s happening there. Robin (Uthappa) isn’t there anymore, so were they searching for his replacement?” Aakash Chopra said.
Chennai Super Kings will likely open with Ruturaj Gaikwad and Devon Conway, followed by Ben Stokes, Chopra further reckoned Ruturaj Gaikwad should try to be more aggressive for the four-time champions in IPL 2023.
“It is possible that Ruturaj Gaikwad hits the ground up and running. Right now, he starts slowly and picks pace as he builds the innings. But the days of diesel engines are over, we have EVs now. Ruturaj has to become an electric vehicle,” Chopra said.
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will take on Gujarat Titans (GT) in the opening encounter on March 31, at Ahmedabad. Chennai Super Kings will be looking to bounce back in the upcoming season after their forgettable campaign in the last edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Chepauk Has Been Fortress For Chennai Super Kings – Aakash Chopra
Aakash Chopra reckoned Chepauk has been the fortress for CSK over the years and it is difficult for visiting team to beat them in the home conditions. The Chennai-based franchise has the players to make use of the spin-friendly conditions with the likes of Mahesh Theekshana and Mitchell Santer.
“They have filled their team with multi-faceted players and will also be bolstered by the return of Deepak Chahar. The Chepauk has become a fortress that not many have been able to breach. Out of those seven games, if they win even four to five, they will need just two to three wins from the remaining games so this is a huge advantage for them.” Aakash Chopra Said
Chennai Super Kings has begun their preparation for this edition of IPL 2023 in Chepauk. MS Dhoni will be leading CSK in the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League. The former Indian Skipper has been playing for CSK since 2008 and has won four titles from them. The 41-year-old will look to end his career on high with Chennai Super Kings.