In a significant development ahead of the IPL 2024 auction, star England all-rounder Ben Stokes has made the tough decision to skip the upcoming edition of the tournament. This development comes after Stokes became a pivotal part of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) squad in IPL 2023, for which the franchise paid a hefty INR 16.25 crore in the auction. Unfortunately, due to a knee ailment, Stokes was limited to just two games, where he recorded scores of eight and seven. The 32-year-old, who played a limited role in IPL 2023 due to a knee ailment, has opted out to manage his workload and prioritize his fitness. This decision has left the Chennai Super Kings with a void to fill, and with the auction just around the corner, the franchise now faces the challenge of securing a suitable replacement for the dynamic all-rounder.
In an official statement released on Thursday, CSK acknowledged Ben Stokes’ decision, expressing support for the player’s choice to prioritize his fitness and manage his workload. The statement highlighted Stokes’ recent participation in the ODI World Cup 2023, where he made a comeback from retirement.
“England Test captain, all-rounder Ben Stokes has made himself unavailable for IPL 2024 to manage his workload and fitness. Stokes, 32, became a part of the Super Kings ahead of the successful IPL 2023. He recently participated in the ODI World Cup 2023, which he came out of retirement for,” read CSK’s statement.
“The Chennai Super Kings management is supportive of Ben in his decision to manage his workload with England playing a 5-Test series in India before the IPL and then the T20 World Cup in June 2024.”
With less than a month remaining before the IPL auction on December 19, CSK faces the challenge of finding a suitable replacement for Stokes. The Rs 16.25 crore that CSK invested in Stokes in the previous auction will now be added to their purse for the upcoming auction. This opens up opportunities for CSK to explore and acquire a top-quality all-rounder to maintain the balance in their squad.
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Here are three all-rounders who CSK might consider to fill the void left by Ben Stokes:
1. Rachin Ravindra
The New Zealand all-rounder showcased his prowess during the World Cup 2023, amassing 578 runs in the tournament, breaking Sachin Tendulkar’s record for the most runs in a single World Cup campaign before turning 25. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball makes him an attractive prospect for CSK.
2. Azmatullah Omarzai
While a less conventional choice, Afghanistan all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai could offer a like-for-like replacement for Ben Stokes. His notable performance in the World Cup 2023, scoring 353 runs and taking 7 wickets with his pace bowling, demonstrates his dual skill set.
3. Daryl Mitchell
Another Kiwi standout from the World Cup 2023, Mitchell played a crucial role in the middle order for New Zealand, scoring 552 runs, including two centuries against India. His ability to anchor the innings and provide valuable contributions makes him a potential asset for CSK’s batting lineup.