Ben Stokes is expected to play as a specialist batter in the Indian T20 League 2023 after receiving an injection to treat a left knee injury. Stokes, who was signed for INR 16.25 crores as Chennai’s most expensive signing in an auction, arrived in India last week and has been training with his new teammates ahead of their season opener against defending champions Gujarat on Friday night in Ahmedabad.
Stokes has had recurring knee injuries for several years, but he suffered a flare-up during England’s tour to New Zealand last month, bowling only nine overs across two Tests and batting through obvious physical discomfort on the final day of the series in Wellington.
Stokes admitted: “I’m not going to lie, it’s incredibly frustrating knowing something has been holding me back from performing as I’d like to.”
Mike Hussey, the franchise’s batting coach, who worked with Stokes as part of England’s backroom team during their 20-20 World Cup victory in November, emphasised that he was being handled carefully.
“The physios from Chennai and the ECB are working pretty closely together. This franchise is very professional and works very closely with all the national boards,” Hussey told the PA news agency and ESPNcricinfo.
