Watch: Ben Stokes in beast mode; smashing big sixes in power-hitting training during CSK camp ahead of IPL 2023
The four-time champion won the 2021 edition but failed to defend their title in 2022, finishing ninth on the table and winning only four of 14 games. Thus, they would like to make the coming season count and win their fifth IPL title.
For the same, the franchise has made some significant changes and acquired some outstanding players in the IPL 2023 auction. The biggest name to join the CSK camp is superstar all-rounder Ben Stokes, who was roped in by CSK at a price of INR 16.25 crore.
He and Moeen Ali joined the CSK camp on Friday and started practising for the first encounter on Friday. CSK has set up their first camp at the Chepuak Stadium. During the power-hitting session, Stokes was seen smashing the ball for some big sixes.
A video of Stokes smashing big sixes is going viral on the internet. One over the bowler's head, the second over the long off. The official social media handle of the franchise shared the video clip with the caption, "Ben Den 🔥 #SuperForce 🦁💛."
Ben Den 🔥 #SuperForce 🦁💛
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) March 24, 2023
Live Now ➡️ https://t.co/Twii0Iazaw pic.twitter.com/7uX2ctwwfT
Stokes didn't take part in the 2022 season because of his national duties, leading the English test side. Even in 2021, he missed the first half of the season due to his finger injury. Later, he decided to opt out of the UAE leg of the tournament due to his break from the cricket owing to mental health reasons.
However, the southpaw indicated that he might miss some games in the second half of 2023 edition as England is scheduled to play one-off test against Ireland ahead of the Ashes.