WATCH: Ben Stokes and Ravindra Jadeja play carbon copy strokes at CSK nets ahead of IPL 2023 opener
The addition of Ben Stokes has no doubt added more firepower to the Chennai Super Kings batting lineup ahead of the 16th edition of the Indian Premier League.
The England Test captain, who hasn’t fully recovered from a knee injury, may not be able to bowl in the initial few matches but is sure to feature as a batting special. Stokes is the latest southpaw entrant in the CSK squad, accompanying the likes of Devon Conway, Moeen Ali, Shivam Dube and Ravindra Jadeja.
Jadeja has been part of the CSK franchise since 2012 and played a crucial role in their title win back in 2018 and in 2021. When it comes to the best contemporary all-format all-rounders, both Jadeja and Stokes have always been part of the discussion.
Which is why it shouldn’t come as a surprise that the duo resorted to very similar shots in the recent CSK net session at Chepauk. Front foot defence, back foot flick, coming the down the track and lofting the ball straight over the bowler’s head, it’s all the same. Here, have a look.
Southpaws Unplugged 📹🦁#WhlePodu #Yellove 💛 @imjadeja @benstokes38 pic.twitter.com/WVmp24Hn5t
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) March 29, 2023
For Stokes, the CSK move comes after he missed the last season of the league owing to a break from competitive cricket. Since then, the England international has went on to become the England Test captain, while also retiring from ODI cricket.
Chennai open their IPL 2023 campaign against defending champions Gujarat Titans on Friday, March 31 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
After winning their fourth IPL title in 2021, CSK finished 9th in the points table last season, winning only four of their 14 matches.
Gujarat on the other hand lifted the trophy in their first season, finishing the league stage top of the table before defeating Rajasthan Royals twice in Qualifier 1 and the final.
