Chennai Super Kings batting coach Michael Hussey has revealed that English star all-rounder Ben Stokes is likely to start as a specialist batter in the forthcoming edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The management has decided to do so in order to tackle his recurring knee injury.
“My understanding is he’s (Ben Stokes) ready to go as a batsman from the start. The bowling might be wait and see. I know he had his first very light bowl yesterday (Sunday) since he had his injections in his knee. The physios from Chennai and the ECB are working pretty closely together,” the batting coach told ESPNcricinfo.
“My understanding is he won’t be bowling much at all in the first few games of the tournament. I’m not 100% sure, hopefully get him bowling at some stage in the tournament,” Hussey added.
Stokes will love the atmosphere here in Chennai: Mike Hussey
“The ground is amazing: new stands up, full capacity. The first home game, the atmosphere is going to be out of this world. I can’t wait – and I’m sure Stokesy (Ben Stokes) is going to absolutely love it. That’s the thing with those big players, they generally like a big stage and perform their best on it. Once he gets out there in Chepauk Stadium in front of an unbelievably loud crowd, I hope it’s going to bring out the best in him,” remarked Hussey.
