CSK vs LSG, IPL 2023: Aakash Chopra in doubt over Ben Stokes ability to play spin at Chepauk

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CSK vs LSG: Ahead of Chennai Super Kings' (CSK) match against Lucknow Super Giant (LSG) in Chennai on Monday, cricketer-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra has raised doubt over star all-rounder Ben Stokes' ability to play spin bowling.

The former India opener pointed out that the Chepauk surface is spin-friendly and that might cause problems for the England cricketer. Notably, four-time champions CSK have acquired the services of Stokes for a whopping sum of Rs 16.25 crore.

He scored seven runs off six balls in his first match for CSK on Friday as CSK lost the tournament opener against defending champions Gujarat Titans (GT) by five wickets. Chennai are now gearing for their first home match of the season against Lucknow.

“Is this team good while batting against spin? Ruturaj Gaikwad will do the job. Devon Conway is not bothered by spin. He is absolutely fine. Spin will not bother Moeen Ali as well, although he came riding a horse last time. Ben Stokes might have difficulties in these conditions,” said Chopra on his YouTube channel.

The 45-year-also suggested that Chennai should make a better use of Jadeja and promote him ahead of Shivam Dube. Jadeja walked in to bat at number seven in the tournament opener and got out after facing two balls for one run.

"I feel they should send Jaddu ahead of Shivam Dube. Ambati Rayudu - good player of spin. Ben Stokes - I am not sure. Bouncers will be bowled to Shivam Dube. Mark Wood is going to bowl bouncers here as well. So it's going to be a tricky one. The Chennai team can use Jaddu slightly better,” Chopra added.

Further, Chopra marked that CSK would have to figure out their pace unit going further into the tournament. The side recently faced an injury setback after Mukesh Chaudhary was ruled out of the entire IPL 2023 season due to an injury.

"What about Chennai's bowling? Deepak Chahar is bowling well, so he is fine. Along with him either Rajvardhan Hangargekar or Tushar Deshpande. This is not your ideal bowling. You will not be able to manage with these three fast bowlers always. You might be able to manage here because you will get to see a lot of spin here. You will see 12 overs of spin. You might not need Tushar Deshpande,” said Chopra.