IPL 2023 CSK vs LSG: Ben Stokes fails to impress with bat on debut at Chepauk; bowls in powerplay

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Ben Stokes Performance in this IPL 2023: 7(6) vs Gujarat Titans; 8(8) vs Lucknow Super Giants

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are making a return to their Anbuden i.e. MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai after a gap of 1427 days for the IPL 2023. CSK are playing their first home game of IPL Season 16 as they host Lucknow Super Giants.

While captain MS Dhoni will be the cynosure of all eyes but the team will be looking for good performances from their all-rounders i.e. Ravindra Jadeja and Ben Stokes.

Stokes - who is the costliest buy for CSK in their IPL history - while interacting with the official TV broadcasters, Star Sports, claims he has accepted the role the new franchise is going to offer.

"Expecting a good atmosphere here in Chennai, everyone has been looking forward to this day," the England all-rounder said on Star Sports before the start of the match against LSG.

Responsibility for Ben Stokes in CSK

When asked about his batting position, Stokes said, "In a new franchise, you have the accept the role you have been given and perform as best you can. Every batter would say the higher up you are the better, but I've been given that responsibility to bat at number 4."

When asked if he's fit to bowl for CSK with the match against LSG, he said that he might be able to roll his arms tonight. He was also spotted bowling at the CSK nets ahead of the highly-anticipated contest.

"Yeah, everything is coming out nicely. I've worked very hard to get to the place that I'm at this moment with my knee, so might be able to turn the arm over tonight," the England Test captain added further.

Ben Stokes on his experience at Chepauk

When asked about his experience of playing at the iconic Chepauk - which has been their fortress since 2008 - the right-arm pacer said, "I've not played too many games here, so I've tried to understand the easy ways we can bat here and how to bowl. Spin is going to come into the game more here than in Ahmedabad. Who knows what the wicket will give? So we have to adapt and see how we go."

Meanwhile, Lucknow's captain KL Rahul won the toss and invited Dhoni and his band to bat first in the game. With CSK bowling in the second innings, it will be interesting to see if skipper Dhoni throws the ball at the English to roll up his arms.