IPL 2023: Coach Hussey gives BIG update on Ben Stokes' knee injury, CSK in trouble?

Fans are getting ready to watch the highly anticipated Indian league, which begins on March 31, in just three days. After a three-year hiatus, the 16th IPL will return with a home and away format. At Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium, the defending champion Gujarat Titans will take on Chennai Super Kings, who have won the title four times. However, a significant issue surrounds Dhoni’s franchise prior to the action beginning.

ESPNCricinfo reported that star all-rounder Ben Stokes will not bowl in the first few games of the season because he is treating an injured knee. During the Test series against New Zealand, Stokes’ knee issue got worse, which is a recurring issue. He has also received a cortisone injection for the knee problem, according to the report.

“My understanding is he’s 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,”

CSK batting coach Michael Hussey said as quoted by ESPNCricinfo. 

Ben Stokes likely to bowl later

The batting coach stated once more that he won’t bowl in the first few matches and may roll his arm later.

“The physios from Chennai and the ECB are working pretty closely together. My understanding is he won’t be bowling much at all in the first few games of the tournament. It might be a few weeks. I’m not 100% sure, [but we will] hopefully get him bowling at some stage in the tournament,”

Hussey added.

Since CSK will likely be without another pacer, Mukesh Choudhary, this will only make matters worse for them. The Indian youngster may miss the upcoming season while he recovers from a back injury at the NCA. Finding bowlers for the final overs leaves Chennai with some thinking to do.

In the two test matches against New Zealand, Stokes’ bowling was limited to just 9 overs. During the series’ final day in Wellington, he was seen in severe pain. The English captain said after the game that he would be playing in the Indian Premier League and would try to talk to CSK coach Fleming about his body on a regular basis.

“I’m going to the IPL. I’ve had conversations with Fleming and he’s fully aware of my body situation. It’s a week-by-week case at the moment.”

Stokes said.