Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batting coach Michael Hussey has opined that English star all-rounder Ben Stokes will be expected to play as the specialist batter in the forthcoming edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The management has decided to do so in order to tackle his recurring knee injury.
Notably, Stokes has suffered from multiple injuries in his left knee over the years and to add to the woes endured another flare-up on England’s tour to New Zealand in February. The English all-rounder could manage to bowl only nine overs in a couple of Tests and batted through clear physical discomfort on the last day of the series.
According to a report by ESPNcricinfo, Ben Stokes has taken a cortisone injection (a common anti-inflammatory injection that reduces swelling) ahead of the IPL and is likely to play as a specialist batter for the franchise. Mike Hussey shared an update on the player and added that Stokes could bowl ‘at some point’ in the competition.
As per the quotes in ESPNCricinfo, Mike Hussey said, “My understanding is he’s (Ben Stokes) ready to go as a batsman from the start. The bowling might be wait and see. I know he had his first very light bowl yesterday (Sunday) since he had his injections in his knee. The physios from Chennai and the ECB are working pretty closely together.”
He further added, “My understanding is he won’t be bowling much at all in the first few games of the tournament. I’m not 100% sure, hopefully get him bowling at some stage in the tournament.”
The men in yellow play their first fixture at home against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on Monday, April 3. While the crowd is all expected to go berserk when MS Dhoni and his men will be playing in Chennai after four years, Hussey further added that Stokes will be delighted with the electric atmosphere at home.
Mike Hussey said, “The ground is amazing: new stands up, full capacity. The first home game, the atmosphere is going to be out of this world. I can’t wait – and I’m sure Stokesy (Ben Stokes) is going to absolutely love it. That’s the thing with those big players, they generally like a big stage and perform their best on it. Once he gets out there in Chepauk Stadium in front of an unbelievably loud crowd, I hope it’s going to bring out the best in him.”
