IPL 2023: CSK suffer major blow as Deepak Chahar to undergo scans, Ben Stokes suffers toe injury

Chennai Super Kings pacer Deepak Chahar will be out for an extended period of time after suffering a suspected hamstring injury in the first over of Saturday's match against the Mumbai Indians. (April 8). The 30-year-old Chahar, who was signed by the four-time champions for INR 14 crores, had missed the entire 2022 season and the majority of the cricketing calendar due to a back injury sustained while rehabilitating from a right quadricep injury sustained on India duty in February last year.

While Chahar is expected to be out for a while, CSK will also be without their other big-money signing, Ben Stokes, who is expected to be out for a week with a toe injury. The England Test captain did not play against the Mumbai Indians and is unlikely to play against the Rajasthan Royals at home on April 12, with a possible return against Royal Challengers Bangalore on April 17.

"Chennai Super Kings cricketer Ben Stokes is nursing a minor toe injury which forced



him out of the match against Mumbai Indians at The Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Saturday (April 8). Stokes played Chennai Super Kings' first two matches of IPL 2023 before injuring his toe during training ahead of the third game, which the Super Kings won by seven wickets," CSK's statement read.

The latest setback occurred five balls into his first over at the Wankhede Stadium. Chahar ambled in to bowl the final ball of the over before leaving the pitch and taking no wickets after a brief consultation with the team physio.

"Deepak Chahar injured his hamstring during Saturday's match against Mumbai Indians. The fast bowler bowled one over before being forced off the field due to injury. 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 statement added.