3 players CSK can target in IPL 2024 auction as Ben Stokes pulls out of upcoming season

Star all-rounder Ben Stokes announced on November 23 that he will opt out of participating in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. With the Test series against India and the 2024 T20 World Cup lined up, the decision has been taken to manage his workload and fitness. However, the development has come as a setback for five-time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK), although Stokes did not deliver what was expected of him in the previous edition.

Meanwhile, there were reports that the Chennai-based franchise would release Stokes ahead of the 2024 IPL auction scheduled to be held in Dubai on December 19. Considering the England Test captain’s poor outing in the previous season and his unavailability in the upcoming edition, the franchise is likely to let him go. If this move goes through, CSK will have Rs 16.25 crore in its pocket.  But who will they rope in the place of a world-class all-rounder like Stokes?

In this article, we take a look at 3 promising players who can fill the void left by Ben Stokes in CSK.

3. Daryl Mitchell

New Zealand all-rounder Daryl Mitchell had a tremendous campaign in the recently concluded 2023 ODI World Cup. Scoring an imprеssivе 552 runs, including two cеnturiеs against India, the 32-year-old was instrumental in the Black Caps reaching the semi-finals. His ability to anchor in the middle and press the accelerator whenever needed makes him a good replacement for Stokes. He can also contribute with his bowling prowess.

2. Rachin Ravindra

All 10 teams will line up behind the young New Zealand sensation in the upcoming auction. Ravindra has grabbed everyone’s attention in the 2023 World Cup with his impressive performances throughout their campaign. His aggressive style of batting in the top order and effective lеft-arm spin bowling will give CSK a big boost in Stokes’ absence. With 578 runs from 10 matches, including three centuries, Ravindra finished the premier 50-over tournament as the fourth-highest run scorer.

1. Travis Hеad

There is no doubt that CSK will be the only one of the 10 franchises to go behind Travis Head in the upcoming action. The southpaw proved he is the man of big occasions with some sensational knocks in the 2023 World Cup. He joined the Australian team at the halfway stage of the tournament and was instrumental in helping them win the title with 50-plus scores in the semi-finals and final. While the 29-year-old has served as an opener, his versatility will allow him to bat in the middle order as well. He can also contribute a couple of overs with his bowling prowess.