Chennai Super Kings won the 16th edition of the Indian Premier League, beating Gujarat Titans in the finals at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. They won their fifth IPL title under MS Dhoni, equaling the Mumbai Indians with the most IPL championships. It was a dream season for CSK, and they did without some of the big names.
Ben Stokes was one of the hottest prospects when he entered his name for the 2023 auction. That is why a number of teams entered the bidding war for the English test captain. Eventually, it was CSK that signed him for a whopping INR 16.25 crore, making him the most expensive player in CSK history.
But it didn’t work out, and Stokes missed most of the season and played two games, where he scored just 15 runs and bowled one over for 18 runs. He was injured and didn’t make the team. So there is a possible chance that Chennai might release him in the coming season. So here are three players that CSK can opt for to replace Ben Stokes.
Here are four players that can replaced Ben Stokes if CSK releases him in IPL 2023
1. James Neesham
Veteran Kiwi all-rounder James Neesham is one of the biggest names in the T20 leagues around the world. He has also played in the Indian Premier League for three seasons. He was part of Rajasthan Royals and Mumbai Indians in the tournament but didn’t get many chances. So far, he has played 12 games, scored 61 runs, and taken 8 wickets. He can be an ideal choice for CSK with his powerful hitting ability and golden arm.
2. Darly Mitchell
Another Kiwi all-rounder who is a hard-hitting batter and has great form at the international level is Daryl Mitchell. The 32-year-old was part of the Rajasthan Royals in 2022 and played only two games. But due to the four overseas rules, he was unable to take many chances. Later, he was released by the franchise. Mitchell went unsold in the 2023 auction but has been a great player for New Zealand at the highest level. He is also a decent bowler. He has played 52 T20Is for New Zealand, scored 1040 runs at a strike rate of 137.7, and also picked up eight wickets.
3. Mohammad Amir
Veteran Pakistani pacer Mohammad Amir can be one of the biggest names if he enters the 2024 auction. Recently, Amir confirmed that he will be getting a UK passport in 2024 and might enter the IPL auction. If it happens, CSK can bid for him, as they need an overseas pacer. Because after Dwayne Bravo, Chennai needs a renowned pacer. Amir has played 50 T20Is in his international career and has taken 59 wickets at an economy rate of 7.02.
4. Travis Head
Veteran Australian batter Travis Head can be a surprise pick if CSK opts to pick an overseas batter who can smash the bowl at will. Head recently won the Man of the Match award against India in the WTC Final 2023, smashing a blistering century that changed the game. Though he went unsold in the last auction and played in the IPL 2016–17. He has played 10 IPL games and scored 205 runs at 29.3 and a strike rate of 138.5. Head can be a brilliant finisher for CSK.
