There comes a massive blow for CSK as their star player Ben Stokes has opted out of IPL 2024. The decision was announced through an Official statement from CSK. Stokesy has opted out of the cash-rich league in order to manage his workload & fitness. He is all set to undergo knee surgery on his left knee & will be on the road to recovery ahead of the anticipated India vs England test series in January 2024. Following the five-match test series against India, T20 World Cup 2024 will begin in June for which he needs to be fresh & kicking.
CSK announced the unavailability of Ben Stokes in IPL 2024 through an Official Statement. The management expressed solidarity with Stokes’s decision emphasizing the importance of managing his workload as well as fitness. The statement further highlighted his busy schedule of Stokesy including a five-match Test series in India after the IPL 2024 followed by the marquee event i.e. T20 World Cup 2024 to be played in June 2024 & said that it’s important for him to manage his workload to stay available for these crucial events.
“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,” an official statement from CSK said.
Why it’s important for Ben Stokes to manage his Workload
Stokes who is known for his game-changing batting & match-winning skills gives importance to balancing his cricketing commitments. As England is gearing up for a rigorous Test series against India followed by the T20 World Cup 2024, Stokes finds it important to manage his fitness. This strategic move not only safeguards his long-term career but also ensures that he remains an asset to both England and CSK in the future.
CSK Management take on Ben Stokes opting out of IPL 2024
CSK management has expressed their support for Stokes’s decision. They acknowledge the challenges faced by a cricketer due to an intense cricketing calendar. The franchise also values Stokes’s dedication to both national & franchise-based leagues. The management also believes that Stokes’s decision is ideal & the need of the hour for the all-rounder in order to ensure his functionality for a long-term career.
When did CSK acquire Ben Stokes Services?
CSK has acquired the services of 32-year-old Ben Stokes ahead of the IPL 2023 in order for a whopping 16.23 crores. Earlier it was reported that CSK was planning to release the star all-rounder ahead of the IPL 2024 auction. But after their official statement, it’s clear that they are supporting Stokes & his decision to opt out of IPL 2024.
Just before the ODI World Cup 2023, Stokes thought for his country & made a shocking decision to make a U-Turn from his retirement. After coming out of retirement he played fearlessly for his team & tried his best to keep them alive in the tournament. It’s because of back-to-back commitments Stokes decided to opt out of IPL 2024.
Will Ben Stokes’s absence affect CSK’s Campaign?
Ben Stokes absence will undoubtedly have a huge impact on CSK Campaign. He was their frontline batter who comes in handy with the ball as well. CSK will now aim to strategize & explore other options in order to maintain their competitiveness & fighting spirit in the IPL 2024 season. CSK will be able to repeat the scenes from IPL 2023 or the absence of Stokesy will leave them empty-handed? All these questions will be answered once the cash-rich league will commence.
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