IPL 2023: Ben Stokes has made CSK the all-rounder's army

Going into the 16th iteration of the league, it appears that CSK has taken a leaf from the playbook of their closest rivals in terms of silverware success, the Mumbai Indians.

The Chennai Super Kings were dubbed "Dad's Army" ahead of the 2018 IPL season and upon their return from a two-year suspension following the match-fixing scandal. With a squad average age of 34, even skipper cool MS Dhoni expressed reservations.

"The boys' age group was definitely a concern; you had to keep them fit." "We had to take care of the resources and make sure that when we get to the business end of the tournament, the best XI is available for selection," Dhoni would say ahead of the final. Yes, the oldest squad of all managed to go all the way in a format thought to be suitable for the youngest.

It wasn't a one-time occurrence: in 2021, the CSK squad had 13 players aged 30 or older, despite winning a fourth championship. The 'dad's army' wasn't to be trifled with, but they were in need of a refresh: a new line of players to be burdened with pressure; a new formula to win games.

Going into the 16th edition of the league, it appears that CSK have taken a page from the playbook of their closest rivals in terms of silverware success, the Mumbai Indians. Like the Rohit Sharma-led side did during their previous two auction cycles, CSK are reliant on all-rounders. A power trio of their own, as Mumbai had in Kieron Pollard and the Pandya brothers. Bringing in Ben Stokes to accompany Ravindra Jadeja and Moeen Ali,

While Jadeja's contributions to the franchise are unquestionable, Ali has also been crucial to the side, producing immediate impact performances in his first season in 2021, accounting for a total of 584 runs and 19 wickets in CSK's previous championship victory.

With Ali consolidating quick runs at three and Jadeja taking over the legendary finishing responsibilities lower down the batting order, Stokes' inclusion adds some much-needed firepower.

CSK will gain an additional bowling option in him, something MS Dhoni has always valued as captain. (Even though CSK batting coach Mike Hussey did confirm that the England Test captain will begin the season solely as a specialist batter owing to knee injury management.)

Shivam Dube saw a second wind for his IPL career with 289 runs at a strike rate of 156.22 and is more than handy with the ball. Then there's Deepak Chahar, who, apart from being CSK's prime swing merchant, has shown his value with the bat as well. Rajvardhan Hangargekar can amp up the heartbeats of the speed gun but can also tonk the ball far away, as he did in India's U19 World Cup win last year.

CSK already had multi-taskers, and Stokes' addition simply adds to the quality of that roster.

The Impact Player Rule, cricket's version of substitution in football, will be implemented in the 2023 season, negating the role of all-rounders, as proposed by Delhi Capitals head coach Ricky Ponting earlier this season.

"You no longer need to select all-rounders because you can name a batting- or bowling-heavy team and simply take one out and bring the other in." If you're looking for a new job, this is the place to be. If you're looking for a new job, this is the place to be. If you're looking for a new job, this is the place to be.

CSK, on the other hand, has been at their best while breaking a widely recognised rule.