As the IPL 2023 season approaches, the Chennai Super Kings are looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2022 season where they finished ninth in the points standings. To do so, CSK’s bowling coach, L Balaji, has suggested that the team could groom Ben Stokes to be a reliable finisher in the future.
Stokes, who is the England Test captain, has impressed with his all-round abilities and power-packed batting. Balaji believes that he can be trained to fill the role of finisher, a position previously held by former CSK captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni.
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Balaji also suggested that Ruturaj Gaikwad and Devon Convey could make a good opening pair, while Ambati Rayudu could play the role of Suresh Raina. Balaji acknowledged that it’s difficult to fill the shoes of Dhoni, but he believes that Stokes with his attacking brand of cricket could be the game-changer that CSK needs.
The CSK team, which includes Deepak Chahar, Moeen Ali, Ravindra Jadeja, Dwaine Pretorius, and Mitchell Santner, among others, has quality players in their ranks. With the addition of Stokes, CSK could have the firepower to win a record-equaling fifth title.
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CSK will face the reigning champions, the Gujarat Titans, in the season opener in Ahmedabad. Fans are eagerly anticipating the match, and there’s excitement about the potential of Stokes as a finisher for the Chennai-based franchise.