Today marks the final day for release and retention ahead of the IPL 2024 auction, and the spotlight is on players exiting and joining teams. Among the anticipated releases, England’s dynamic all-rounder Ben Stokes is in the conversation after withdrawing from IPL 2024. Speculations are rife that Chennai Super Kings (CSK) might also part ways with Stokes, valued at Rs 16.25 crore. The pertinent question now looms over who might fill his shoes.
With Stokes absent from CSK’s lineup, the franchise looks poised to hunt for a batting all-rounder to take his place. Three prominent contenders emerge for this coveted spot:
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— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) November 23, 2023
Darryl Mitchell (New Zealand):
New Zealand’s shining all-rounder, Darryl Mitchell, showcased stellar performances in the recent World Cup 2023. His remarkable 552 runs in 9 innings across 10 matches, boasting an average of 69, cements his credentials. Mitchell, a medium-paced bowler, provides an added bowling dimension to the team.
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Azmatullah Omarzai (Afghanistan):
Afghanistan’s Azmatullah Omarzai emerges as a promising choice to replace Stokes. His adaptable batting in the middle order, potentially at numbers 4-5, coupled with his skills as a fast bowler, makes him a valuable asset. Omarzai’s World Cup 2023 contributions include 353 runs and 7 wickets.
Marcus Stoinis (Australia):
Released by Lucknow Super Giants before IPL 2024, Australian all-rounder Marcus Stoinis now appears on CSK’s radar. His prior IPL experience and versatile skills position him as a strong candidate for the franchise in the upcoming auction.
Ben Stokes’ IPL Journey:
Ben Stokes’ IPL tenure since 2017 has been marked by intermittent appearances. Rajasthan Royals initially bet big on Stokes, yet his recurring fitness issues persisted. CSK, after a significant investment, is now bereft of his services. Stokes accumulated 935 runs across 45 matches in the league, including two centuries and as many half-centuries. His bowling prowess yielded a total of 28 wickets. After his stint with Rajasthan Royals till 2021, Stokes remained unaligned with any team in 2022, joining Chennai Super Kings in 2023.