IPL 2023: CSK suffer Ben Stokes, Deepak Chahar blows
In a major blow for Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Ben Stokes and Deepak Chahar will stay out of action for a while. The latter sustained a hamstring injury during his first over during CSK's recent IPL 2023 outing against Mumbai Indians. Stokes, who didn't take part in the contest, is expected to be out for a week with a toe injury. Here is more.
Chahar's tryst with injuries
Chahar, who is on an Rs. 14 crore annual deal with CSK, had missed the entire IPL 2022 due to back issues. He missed the bulk of the cricket calendar last season due to the same. The right-arm pacer left the field after bowling just one over against MI. As per Cricbuzz, he is set to be ruled out for a while.
Stokes sustains toe injury
Stokes, who recorded 7 and 8 in CSK's first two games this season, missed the MI game due to a toe injury. As per Cricbuzz, he is also likely to miss his side's home game against Rajasthan Royals on April 12. The England Test captain could return for the away fixture against Royal Challengers Bangalore on April 17.
A look at their stats
Chahar made his IPL debut in 2016 for the Rising Pune Super Giants. He moved to CSK in 2018. Overall, he has scalped 59 wickets in 66 IPL matches at 30.78. Stokes has garnered 935 runs in 45 IPL games, striking at 133.95. The tally includes two fifties and as many centuries. The right-arm pacer has scalped 28 wickets (ER: 8.64).
Who can replace the duo in the XI?
Ajinkya Rahane replaced Stokes in the MI game and slammed a match-winning 61. Needless to mention, he is set to continue in the XI in Stokes's absence. Meanwhile, Chahar's absence largely dents CSK's fast-bowling attack. Rajvardhan Hangargekar, who claimed three wickets on his IPL debut, seems the front-runner to replace him in the XI. Simarjeet Singh is another potent option in this regard.
