IPL 2023: 'They won't be able to...' - Chopra on CSK's captaincy plans after Ben Stokes set to leave early
Aakash Chopra on CSK's captaincy plans after Ben Stokes set to leave IPL 2023 early (Photo | Twitter/Reuters).
On Wednesday (February 22), England Test captain Ben Stokes indicated that he will leave IPL 2023 early to prepare for the one-off Test versus Ireland and Ashes 2023, both on home soil. Addressing the press ahead of England's second and final Test versus hosts New Zealand, Stokes revealed that he is ready to skip the latter stage of the forthcoming IPL season, where he will represent the MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for national duty. It is to be noted that the Ireland Test begins only four days after IPL 2023. Hence, his absence will be a massive blow for Dhoni & Co. if they remain alive in the tournament till then.
"Yes, I'll play," Stokes told the reporters for the Ireland Test. "I'll be making sure that I give myself enough time to get back and play that [Ireland] game," he added. After his statement, former Indian opener has questioned CSK's captaincy plans.Speaking on his YouTube channel, as quoted by Sportskeeda, Chopra reacted to Stokes' claims and opined thatDhoni would be unable to hand over the reins to the Englishman if he wishes to at any stage of this year's IPL.
Chopra told, "Some people were saying that the Chennai Super Kings gave so much money to Ben Stokes because they want to groom him for captaincy. If you want to groom him for captaincy and the heir apparent leaves in the last phase, even if Chennai have made up their mind, they will not be able to do the hand-holding."
"As they say pass on the baton - how will that happen because MS Dhoni will be captaining and halfway through if he says that he will give it to Stokes, he is not going to be available in the end. So that cannot happen.," he asserted.
The former Indian opener further added, "It will be interesting to see Chennai's plan - does he (Stokes) even feature in their captaincy scheme of things or whether either Moeen Ali or Ruturaj Gaikwad could be their next captain? We shall find out. This will be in everyone's mind that you have to be a little careful with the money you invest in England and Australian players in an Ashes year - how you distribute your resources because there are chances of them leaving."
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CSK will play the tournament openerversus the defending champions Hardik Pandya-led Gujarat Titans (GT)on March 31 in Ahmedabad.