On Saturday (April 9), Chennai Super Kings (CSK) emerged victorious against their long-standing rivals Mumbai Indians (MI) to secure their second consecutive win of the 2023 IPL season. However, the team faced a setback as they lost two key players due to injuries. Ben Stokes, the England Test skipper, was already down with an injury, while fast bowler Deepak Chahar suffered a hamstring injury during the first over of the match against MI.
On Sunday, CSK issued an update on the injuries, confirming that Stokes had missed the match due to a minor pain in his toe. Despite concerns around his knee injury, Stokes played in the first two matches of the season, scoring 15 runs with the bat and bowling an over against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).
On the other hand, Chahar sustained a hamstring injury after bowling the fifth delivery of the first over. Though the 30-year-old managed to complete his over with the help of the team physio, he walked off the field after that. The CSK statement confirmed that Chahar would undergo scans to determine the extent of the injury once the team returns to Chennai. The medical staff will monitor both players closely and provide the necessary support for their recovery.
“Chahar will undergo scans to identify the extent of the injury once the team returns to Chennai. The Chennai Super Kings medical staff are closely monitoring both the players and will provide all support necessary for their recovery,” the CSK statement read.
Stokes and Chahar sustained injuries at a crucial time for CSK, as they aim to maintain their winning momentum in the ongoing season. The absence of these players can affect the team’s balance and strategy, and it remains to be seen how they will cope with their injuries in the upcoming matches.
