Cricket analyst Aakash Chopra has shared his perspective on potential replacements for Ben Stokes in the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) lineup ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 auction in Dubai, scheduled for December 19.
Ben Stokes’ limited impact in 2023 edition of IPL
England’s dynamic all-rounder Stokes was released by CSK, a decision not surprising as Stokes had already confirmed his absence for the next season to manage workload and fitness. CSK had secured Stokes for a hefty Rs 16.25 crore in the 2023 IPL auction, but his contribution in the victorious 2023 season was minimal, limited to two games due to a knee injury, resulting in a modest performance of just 15 runs.
Aakash Chopra discusses who could fill the shoes of Stokes in CSK
On the AakashVani show on Sports 18, Chopra suggested Rachin Ravindra and Daryl Mitchell, both batting sensations from New Zealand, as potential replacements for Stokes. However, Chopra also expressed that CSK might not need to strengthen their spin-bowling department.
“They will need an all-rounder. It could be Rachin Ravindra in place of Ben Stokes, or they might look towards Daryl Mitchell. This team might not need spinners because they have Ravindra Jadeja, Prashant Solanki, Moeen Ali and Mitchell Santner. They will be able to manage with them,”
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Other notable releases by CSK
Alongside Stokes, CSK bid farewell to veteran batter Ambati Rayudu and six other players, including Dwaine Pretorius, Kyle Jamieson, Sisanda Magala, Akash Singh, Bhagath Varma and Subhransu Senapati. This signals a recalibration of the squad, providing opportunities for fresh talent and a potential reimagining of the team’s dynamics.
CSK’s auction budget and MS Dhoni’s captaincy factor
As CSK enters the IPL 2024 auction, they bring with them a remaining purse of ₹32.1 crore. Despite the changes in player composition, fans can look forward to enjoy the leadership of iconic skipper MS Dhoni, adding experience to the team in the upcoming edition of the cash-rich league. The auction will play a crucial role in shaping CSK’s strategy for success in the highly anticipated season.
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