On Friday, England Test captain Ben Stokes arrived in Chennai to play for Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s Chennai Super Kings (CSK) side in the upcoming Indian Premiere League (IPL) 2023 season.
Last year, all-rounder Ben Stokes was signed by the CSK in the auction for a massive amount of INR 16.25 crore, but there were many unknown reports flashing up that Stokes might not join his franchise for the whole IPL in order to begin training for the Ashes.
Announcing Stokes arrival in Chennai, CSK took to Twitter and posted, “Ungal NaneBen in Namma Area!” (Your friend Ben has come to the area).
For now, Stokes is dealing with a knee injury that he suffered on England’s recently concluded tour of New Zealand. But, Stokes arrival at Chennai justified that he is well recovered with his injury and will play for the franchise. England coach Brendon McCullum gave his opinion that if Ben Stokes plays in the IPL, it will not increase his chances of getting injured.
“I don’t think he’s jeopardising it. The Chennai set-up is excellent in looking after their players, and they’ve got a very good medical team, and he will be well looked after.” McCullum said.
“The skipper has a strong mind and he knows how to get right for the big moments. His life is that, right? So I don’t have any concerns,” he added.
The IPL 2023 is going to start from March 31 to May 28, when Chennai Super Kings and Gujarat Titans will play their first match.