IPL 2023: Brendon McCullum wants CSK to ‘look after’ Ben Stokes ahead of Ashes

England Test head coach Brendon McCullum sounded confident that the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) would look after Ben Stokes in the 2023 Indian Premier League (IPL). Back in December, Stokes was bought by the four-time IPL champions for a whopping price of INR 16.25 crore.

Rajasthan Royals (RR), Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and a number of other teams tried to get the English all-rounder, but CSK secured his services.

McCullum said that it’s important for Stokes to stay fit since the Ashes at home is scheduled to be played later this year in June and July.

"I don't think he's jeopardising it. The Chennai set-up is excellent in looking after their players and they've a very good medical team and he will be well looked after. The skipper has a strong mind and he knows how to get right for the big moments. His life is that, right? So I don't have any concerns,” McCullum was quoted as saying on ESPNcricinfo.

“In fact



I look forward to watching him play in it and see, without captaincy as well, the opportunity to play cricket without worrying about everybody else, knowing when he comes back into the fold and leads us into the Ashes campaign he'll have the bit between his teeth and I think we'll be alright,” he stated.

"He sees the big picture in everything, so I've no concerns that the skipper will be totally looked after. And I also believe that the Ashes is the script that the skipper is waiting to write, so he'll be sweet," McCullum added.

Stokes recently played in the two-match Test series against New Zealand that was drawn 1-1. England had a great chance of winning the series 2-0, but the Black Caps secured a one-run win to avoid a series defeat.

The opening Test of the Ashes is set to be played at Edgbaston in Birmingham from Friday, June 16. Lord’s, Headingley, Old Trafford and Kennington Oval will host the other four Tests of the five-match series.