Brendon McCullum backs Ben Stokes for IPL amidst injury worries

England Test skipper Ben Stokes announced that he will be participating in IPL 2023 despite concerns surrounding his fitness. However, the flamboyant all-rounder will be allowed to participate in the league only if he is fit enough to play as England prepares for a blockbuster Ashes summer.

The influential English all-rounder struggled with a knee injury during his side’s thrilling second Test against New Zealand in Wellington. The team management are currently assessing Stokes’ condition, and if his condition worsens, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) could prevent him from participating in the IPL.

However, coach Brendon McCullum is in favour of his skipper’s participation in the next edition of the IPL as it will charge him up for the Ashes at home later this year. Stokes was roped in by four-time IPL winners Chennai Super Kings in the IPL 2023 auction.

“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. In fact, I look forward to watching him play in it [the IPL] 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 all right,” McCullum said to The Telegraph.

Our team is set up at the top of the order for Zak to play like that: McCullum

McCullum also backed under-fire England opener Zak Crawley who has been one of the weak links of England’s swashbuckling batting approach in the longest format of the game.

“Zak is one of those players who is going to be inconsistent because of the role he is asked to perform which is to impose himself on the opposition and try and play a style that puts them under pressure. Our team is set up at the top of the order for Zak to play like that. He is still a big player for us moving forward,” the Kiwi added.