Ben Stokes, the England Test skipper, may be used anywhere in Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK’s) batting order, according to former India opener Virender Sehwag, who also said that the all-rounder would be most suited at numbers three or four.
On his debut for the team on March 31, Stokes, who was purchased by CSK for INR 16.25 crore in the mini-auction for the 2023 season, scored just seven runs off of six balls while batting at No. 4 in the team’s loss to the defending champion Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad.
Star Sports reported that Sehwag said that the ideal spot for Ben Stokes, in his opinion, is either number three or number four. He also said that considering the squad already has a fantastic opening pair, they shouldn’t alter it. According to him, Stokes, though, is a guy who can bat anywhere in the order.
Shikhar Dhawan becoming their skipper in the current competition, according to Sehwag, who also led Punjab Kings during his IPL playing days, will transform their fortunes.
Sehwag said that the fact that Shikhar Dhawan is the captain may make a difference. He added that the squad is otherwise the same, both in terms of the players and the management; the captain is unique.
When asked who he thought would win the IPL 2023 title for most runs scored, Sehwag responded that K.L. Rahul would be his second choice, followed by either Kohli or Rohit Sharma.
When asked to select the two most memorable batsmanship moments in tournament history, Sehwag mentioned Chris Gayle’s 175 in 2013 and Brendon McCullum’s 158 in the first match.
Sehwag said there are other innings, like Brendon McCullum’s debut game, where he scored 150 runs and effectively set the tone for the IPL. He also said that Chris Gayle’s innings are another one that spring to his mind. Further, he added that Chris Gayle’s and Brendon McCullum’s were both legendary innings, and there aren’t many innings like that one.
