He also confirmed he has a specific diagnosis of the issue, which he declined to reveal publicly. ESPNcricinfo understands that a subsequent scan on the knee came back clear, but Stokes has taken a cortisone injection – a common anti-inflammatory injection which reduces swelling – ahead of the IPL.
“The physios from Chennai and the ECB are working pretty closely together. My understanding is he won’t be bowling much at all in the first few games of the tournament… it might be a few weeks. I’m not 100% sure, [but we will] hopefully get him bowling at some stage in the tournament.”
Stokes has previously indicated that he will consider returning early from the IPL in order to prepare for England’s Test against Ireland at Lord’s from June 1 – four days after the IPL final – and has already spoken to Hussey about his excitement for the Ashes series that follows, his first as England’s captain.
“From an Australian perspective, I’m going to hope he bowls 20 or 30 overs in the nets,” Hussey said, laughing. “We’ll be running him into the ground and I’ll be making sure he does extra weight sessions and run-throughs to put as much pressure on that body… I’m joking, obviously.
“I want a fit Ben Stokes playing his best cricket at the Ashes. This franchise is very professional, works very closely with all the national boards, and I know our physio has already been working with the ECB physios. I want to see his best cricket at the Ashes; I want both teams at their best, going hard at it, and I think it will be an unbelievable series to watch.”
Hussey added that Stokes had been “hitting the ball really well” since arriving in India, predicting that he would be “huge” to the franchise’s bid to reach the playoffs, “particularly if we can get him bowling… having those allrounders is really important”.
Super Kings will play their first home game since 2019 on April 3 as the IPL returns to a full home-and-away season. “The ground is amazing: new stands up, full capacity,” Hussey said. “The first home game, the atmosphere is going to be out of this world.
“I can’t wait – and I’m sure Stokesy is going to absolutely love it. That’s the thing with those big players, they generally like a big stage and perform their best on it. Once he gets out there in Chepauk Stadium in front of an unbelievably loud crowd, I hope it’s going to bring out the best in him.”