IPL 2023: Ben Stokes to play as pure batter in first few games for Chennai Super Kings

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Chennai, March 28: Star England all-rounder Ben Stokes is going to play purely as a batter in the first few games in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 for his franchise Chennai Super Kings.

The MS Dhoni-led Super Kings - who had a forgettable IPL 2022 - take on defending champions Gujarat Titans in the tournament opener on Friday (March 31) at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.

Stokes - who was purchased by the Chennai Super Kings for a whopping Rs 16.25 crore at the IPL 2023 Auction last year - is being tipped to feature in the starting eleven for CSK against Hardik Pandya-led side.

The all-rounder from Durham suffered an injury in his left knee during the second Test against New Zealand, which England lost by one run in Wellington and Stokes' injury was one of the reasons for the team's narrow defeat against the Blackcaps.

31-year-old cricketer after having a due discussion with the CSK head coach Stephen Fleming, the former New Zealand cricketer, decided to play in the IPL and claimed he will be donning the CSK yellow in the Indian summer. The medium pacer also stated that he'll be duly managing his workload during the premier T20 competition.

England hosts Australia for the iconic Test series at home, which starts June 16. The five-match series is one of the most sought-after red-ball series due to the rivalry and history involved and England would be looking to retain the Urn at home.

Mike Hussey gives update on Ben Stokes fitness

While speaking with ESPNCricinfo and PA news, CSK batting coach Michael Hussey said, "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.

"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."

England coach Brendon McCullum has also backed CSK's 'very good medical team' and Stokes' own ability to 'get right for the big moments'. McCullum has also been a part of the CSK set-up as a player in the IPL and understands the franchise very well.

After the conclusion of the Wellington Test against New Zealand, Stokes claimed that he'll be playing in the IPL 2023, saying, "I'm going to the IPL. I've had conversations with 'Flem' and he's fully aware of the situation with my body. It's a week-by-week case at the moment.

"I'm not going to lie, it's incredibly frustrating knowing something has been holding me back from performing as I'd like to. I've been working hard with the physios and the medics trying to get myself to a place where I can fulfil my role as I have done for the last 10 years."

Stokes has featured in 43 IPL matches and amassed 920 runs. He has also slammed two centuries and as many half-centuries in the tournament, with his highest IPL score being 107* runs.