Ben Stokes, the all-rounder for Chennai Super Kings (CSK), has stated that he will not hurry himself with bowling during the IPL 2023. His main priority is to maintain his fitness and prepare himself to serve as the fourth seamer in the Ashes 2023.
It is worth mentioning that Ben Stokes, who was bought by CSK for a whopping amount of Rs 16.25 crore prior to IPL 2023, has bowled only one over in the three matches played so far. He is primarily focused on keeping himself fit and ready to serve as the fourth seamer for the upcoming Ashes series. As for his performance with the bat, he has scored seven and eight runs in the previous two innings.
Ben Stokes was quoted as saying on Sky Sports during their Indian Premier League coverage, “I’ve worked so hard over the last month, five weeks, to get where I am now.”
“Being able to bowl pain-free, touch wood, has been good. I went for 18 runs, but I was like ‘oh I managed to bowl an over without pain in my knee. Going nicely (recovery from knee injury). But I’m not going to rush myself, the main priority is making sure I can fulfill my role as a fourth seamer in the Ashes,” said the England Test cricket team captain.
Due to a minor toe injury, Ben Stokes was unable to play in CSK’s match against Mumbai Indians, but is expected to return for their upcoming match against Rajasthan Royals on Wednesday. In addition, the England Test team captain revealed that the team has requested fast and flat wickets for the Ashes 2023, which begins on June 16 in Birmingham. Stokes also confirmed that he had already finalized the playing eleven for the first match.