English wicketkeeper-batsman Jos Buttler has hailed teammate Ben Stokes for the upcoming IPL 2018 and said that he is expecting bigger things from England all-rounder. Stokes was bought by Rajasthan Royals for a whopping 12 crores in the IPL auction making him the highest paid cricketer in the auction list.
Both Buttler and Stokes will play for Rajasthan Royals in the upcoming edition. The right-handed explosive batsman is excited playing for the returning Royals in IPL 2018.
The Royals are coming back after a two-year suspension along with Chennai Super Kings.
Buttler stated that the all-rounder is mentally very strong and has the capability to overcome the difficult times he has had since the Bristol pub brawl incident in September last year.
Speaking to Times of India Buttler said:
“Ben will be absolutely fine and more than ready for the IPL. He is already back for England in New Zealand and is quite comfortable. He is a huge part of England. It’s great to have him back in the English side as he is one of the best players in the world.”
Buttler believes Stokes will be able to repeat the performance of last year and lead Rajasthan Royals to a title triumph. He said:
“I am expecting some big things from him at Rajasthan Royals Team 2018 this time”
The wicket-keeper batsman is expected to be one of the four foreign players in the side and given his current form he can be key to his team’s success.
“My exact role will be decided by the team management, but in recent times I have been opening the batting and have quite enjoyed it. I am also used to batting in the middle order and have been playing the role of a finisher. I am quite comfortable with it. So, I am available for whatever role I am given.”
Buttler also revealed that the legendary Australian leg-spinner was one of the players he looked up to while growing up.
“He (Shane Warne) was the most famous cricketer back then and later I enjoyed listening to his commentary. He has an amazing cricketing brain.”
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