Chennai Super Kings might release Ben Stokes. Photo: CSK
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Chennai Super Kings won the IPL 2023 trophy
- They aren’t expected to release many players before IPL 2024
- Ben Stokes looks highly likely to be released
The BCCI has started the preparations for the IPL 2024 season and the franchises have to submit the list of retained and released players to the board by November 15. The BCCI will take the IPL auction overseas and the one-day event will take place in Dubai. It will be the first time when the IPL auction will take place out of India.
The franchises are now busy deciding on players they want to release and retain going into the IPL 2024 mini-auction. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) might not release many players. The 2023 IPL Champions have a well-settled squad and they are expected to retain the majority of their players. As the fans wait for an official word from the franchises, here’s a look at 3 players CSK might release before the IPL 2024 mini-auction-
Ben Stokes
Ben Stokes is a player who looks set to be released by Chennai Super Kings. The Yellow Army bought him with high hopes and spent a huge sum of Rs 16.25 crore on him. But Stokes only played two matches in the season as he was unavailable due to an injury.
Stokes is likely to undergo a knee surgery after the World Cup, which will put his participation in IPL 2024 in doubt. Even if Stokes is available, CSK might still release him due to the high price tag.
Dwayne Pretorius
Dwaine Pretorius joined CSK for Rs 50 lakh in the IPL 2022 mega-auction. He played six matches in 2022 and got to play one match in 2023 even when Stokes was absent for the majority of the season. It’s clear that Pretorius isn’t CSK’s first-choice all-rounder and the team management might release him. A decision on Pretorius will heavily depend on the all-rounders CSK are eyeing if they release Stokes.
Aakash Singh
It’s never easy for a youngster to get a game under MS Dhoni if he isn’t talented. Aakash Singh got a game in his debut IPL season and scalped five wickets in six matches. CSK might have to release him even if they don’t want to because Mukesh Choudhary will be back for IPL 2024. Aakash came in as Mukesh’s replacement and he might have to make way for the left-arm pacer.
