Xtra Time Web Desk: England Test captain Ben Stokes has officially ruled himself out of IPL 2024, with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) confirming his unavailability. The decision is attributed to Stokes’ ongoing struggle with a knee injury. Initially, plans for surgery were delayed due to his retirement u-turn, but with the upcoming Test series in India and the T20 World Cup in June, Stokes will now undergo the necessary surgery.
Stokes, who joined CSK for IPL 2023, played only 2 matches during his tenure, scoring 15 runs and bowling just one over for 18 runs. The 32-year-old’s absence from IPL 2024 is aimed at managing his workload and prioritizing fitness.
The question arises whether CSK will release Stokes, who earns Rs 16.25 Crore. Retaining him could secure a potential captain for IPL 2025, considering MS Dhoni’s impending retirement. However, the upcoming mega auction in 2025 with stricter retention rules may influence CSK’s decision, as they could only retain a limited number of players. If Stokes returns for IPL 2025, he is likely to enter the auction pool alongside other players.