England all-rounder Ben Stokes who was the most expensive player in this year’s IPL auction has made a low-key exit and has returned home. Stokes has returned to England to prepare for the first Test against Pakistan scheduled to begin from 24th May at Lords.
Stokes, who was voted as the most valuable player last year had a below par 2018 season after scoring just 196 runs in 13 matches.
He was unable to impress with the ball, as he was able to pick up just eight wickets with an economy rate of over eight.
Ben Stokes‘ every Indian Premier League run in this season cost the Rajasthan Royals $10,000.
New Zealand captain, Kane Williamson, on the other hand, has smashed 625 runs in 13 matches and is still going strong. His every run cost the table toppers $725.
Ever since Stokes returned to the action after the Bristol bar incident, his performances have been below his standards. Many commentators believe England star Stokes’ off-field troubles have blunted his performance on the pitch.
Cricketer turned commentator, Scott Styris believes the incident has affected Stokes’ attitude towards the game.
“Ben Stokes hasn’t been that aggressive, in-your-face cricketer in this tournament due to what’s happened. And part of that reason I think is because he has to keep a low profile. That’s not his personality. He needs to be that Ben Stokes the character who dominates the game.”
Stokes was the most expensive player in the last auction as well, but the all-rounder proved his worth during the last edition, as he scored 316 runs and picked up 12 wickets in 12 matches.
Former Australia batsman, Dean Jones said Stokes’ lack of international cricket in recent months had affected his performance.
“Stokes was MVP last year, and this year he has missed out, and that’s the game T20. Don’t go there and start smacking from the word go.”
“It’s all about momentum at the start. If you have scores under your belt, then you relax in your job, but he hasn’t got that.”