IPL 2023: “It surprised me when CSK broke the bank for Ben Stokes”, Aakash Chopra

CSK acquired the services of English allrounder Ben Stokes for a whopping INR 16.25 crore in the mini auction ahead of IPL 2023. Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra feels CSK needs to bat Ben Stokes in the top order as likes to take a bit of time before playing his shots.

Ben Stokes usually bats in the middle order for England as they have a top-heavy batting lineup. However, he has got experience of batting as an opener for his previous franchise Rajasthan Royals, and has got decent success in the top order.

“It surprised me when they broke the bank for Ben Stokes because I don’t know how he will perform in the conditions in Chennai. He is someone who likes to take a bit of time before playing his shots and also likes to bat in the top order. So will it be Ruturaj who will hit the ground running? It will be interesting to see, ” Aakash Chopra said.

Experience is CSK’s biggest strength: Aakash Chopra

“Experience is this team’s biggest strength. If you look at the team, there players brimming with experience right down the line-up. They know how to handle pressure,” the former opener stated in a video on his YouTube channel.

CSK have got the likes of MS Dhoni, Ambati Rayudu, Ravindra Jadeja, and Ben Stokes. All these players have got plenty of experience playing at the top level and they understand how to handle pressure situations.

The conditions at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai will support their spinners. Ravindra Jadeja, Moeen Ali, and Mitchell Santner have the experience of using these conditions in CSK’S favor.

Meanwhile, Ben Stokes is likely to play as a specialist batter in the initial phase of IPL 2023 due to an injury in his left knee. In order to use his skills and experience effectively, CSK might look to bat him in the top order along with young Ruturaj Gaikwad.

CSK will begin their IPL 2023 campaign against the defending champions Gujarat Titans on March 31. They’ll certainly look to get their combination sorted out before the first game in order to get the momentum going right from the start of the mega tournament.