Ben Stokes walks away from IPL
Ben Stokes, one of the most exciting allrounders in the cricket scene, has decided to walk away from this season of the IPL. He represented Chennai Super Kings, the second most successful IPL franchise. However, injury concerns have left him with no other choice. His franchise had already released him for this year’s auction that will be held on 19 December 2023. Hence, it was logical for him to opt not to play this year and focus on his health and wellness.
Read: Ben Stokes unavailable – Another blow to CSK.
Earlier, we had broken the news that Ben wasn’t available for the initial stages of the tournament. However, the latest developments have surprised the fans as Stokes chooses to walk away from IPL 2024.
Check: List of all players released by teams – IPL Auction 2024
Ben Stokes will not play
CSK announced Stokes’ resignation from the IPL 2024 on their official website. While expressing support for Stokes’s choice, CSK has not announced if they will release him from their squad. The IPL requires franchises to announce their retentions and releases for the forthcoming season by November 26.
CSK can hold him for the IPL 2025 big auction if Stokes is not released. Stokes had previously stated his desire to undergo knee surgery, which he had postponed. His comeback date depends on rehabilitation and coordination between Stokes and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).
Check: Rishabh Pant to return in IPL 2024
Stokes, CSK’s most expensive acquisition at INR 16.25 crore, played only two games in the 2023 IPL season owing to injury. He scored 15 runs while only bowling one over.
His total involvement had been hampered by a left knee injury worsened during England’s February trip to New Zealand. CSK coach Stephen Fleming stated that the team’s strategy is to wait till Stokes is utterly healthy before integrating him into bowling.
Recent performance and plans
After coming out of ODI retirement, Stokes showed his batting skills at the recent World Cup in India. Despite England’s problems in the tournament, Stokes played an important part, appearing in six of nine games and finishing as the team’s second-highest run-scorer, trailing only Dawid Malan.
Stokes, who did not bowl during the competition, amassed 304 runs in six innings. He has two half-centuries and a century, including notable performances against Australia, the Netherlands, and Pakistan. His average was 50.66, with an 89.14 strike rate.
Possible replacement: Pat Cummins in IPL Auction 2024
Stokes, now England’s Test captain, hopes to join the squad for the five-Test series in India, which will take place from January 25 to March 11. Stokes acknowledged his hard work in his recuperation, emphasizing fitness for the Test series in India.
Conclusion
Ben Stokes’ decision to withdraw from the IPL 2024 is part of a deliberate plan to prioritize his physical well-being and guarantee a quick recovery. Cricket fans will anxiously anticipate his return to the pitch, hoping for more outstanding performances from the gifted all-rounder.
While Stokes recovers, his determination to serve England in the forthcoming Test series heightens fans’ expectations and excitement, highlighting his devotion to the sport and his team.
