Chennai Super Kings’ prominent England all-rounder, Ben Stokes, has opted to sit out of the IPL 2024 season, citing the need to manage his workload and focus on his fitness. The franchise expressed support for Stokes’ decision, but it remains unclear whether they will release him from the team.
The deadline for IPL franchises to announce player retention and releases for the 2024 season is set for Sunday, November 26. If the Super Kings choose not to release Stokes, they retain the option to keep him for the 2025 season or release him before the deadline, allowing them to utilize the INR 16.25 crore they invested in him during the 2023 auction.
Stokes became the most expensive purchase in Super Kings
Stokes, who became the most expensive purchase in Super Kings’ history ahead of the 2023 IPL season, played only two matches in the season due to a left-knee injury. Starting as a specialist batter, the injury, a persistent one that had flared up during England’s tour of New Zealand in February, limited his participation.
Super Kings’ coach, Stephen Fleming, had emphasized the team’s commitment to waiting for Stokes to be “100% ready” before resuming his bowling duties. The player recently revealed his decision about undergoing knee surgery after the World Cup, and the timeline for his return will be determined based on his rehabilitation progress in collaboration with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).
Despite his limited IPL appearances, Stokes showcased his prowess during the World Cup in India after coming out of ODI retirement. He played six of England’s nine games, emerging as their second-highest run-scorer with 304 runs in six innings, including two half-centuries and a century.
Stokes commendable performance in the tournament
Stokes, who did not bowl during the tournament, ended with an impressive average of 50.66 and a strike rate of 89.14. His performances stood out even as England faced challenges in the tournament, with a notable scoring sequence of 64 against Australia, 108 against Netherlands, and 84 against Pakistan.
Looking ahead, Stokes, also the England Test captain, remains optimistic about participating in the upcoming five-Test series in India, scheduled from January 25 to March 11. Stokes is really committed to getting better, and he wants to make sure his knee is in the best shape for the Test series. With the IPL retention deadline coming up, the Super Kings and Stokes have some important choices to make that will affect their partnership in the seasons to come.
