IPL: Unfit Ben Stokes will be well looked after at CSK, feels Brendon McCullum
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Ben Stokes bowled just two overs during the second Test against New Zealand in Wellington and didn't look comfortable while batting too.
England Test captain Ben Stokes isnt jeopardising his chances of appearing in the homes Ashes fully fit by competing in this years IPL, feels his Test coach Brendon McCullum. Having hinted earlier that he might skip the latter stage of the IPL just to return home fit for the extended summer, Stokes has found himself in a dilemma of fulfilling his $1.9m IPL commitment.
McCullum feels Stokes, who is currently enduring a knee injury, needs to be managed well. Talking about the fear of having an injured Stokes at his disposal following the IPL 2023, McCullum said he isnt worried about Stokes being at CSK because he knows over there they take good care of a player and manage his workload well.
Understanding the gravity of playing for Chennai in the IPL, Stokes is firm in his head of not showing his back to them; however, he also realises the importance of staying fit for the upcoming home Ashes. Caught in the middle of all of this after not being able to put up a 100% performance in the Wellington Test against New Zealand due to discomfort in his knee, Stokes is expected to be available for the IPL 2023 opener against Gujarat Titans on March 31st.
Speaking on this matter, Brendon said Stokes being someone who looks at a bigger picture, would be careful with his fitness given the rigorous IPL schedule, and that Brendon backs CSK management to take good care of the 31-year-old this season.
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Thursday, March 2, 2023 at 1:38 pm