Stokes makes low-key exit after poor returns
NEW DELHI: Ben Stokes cost the Rajasthan Royals $10,000 for every Indian Premier League run he managed this year, making him a luxury even by the league’s opulent standards.
Stokes, under pressure over a looming court case for a street fight, was voted the IPL’s Most Valuable Player last year and was the top foreign signing for 2018 with a $1.96 million deal. But he left India this week having scored just 196 runs in 13 games.
By contrast New Zealander Kane Williamson, captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad, has bashed his 661 runs so far for about $667 each. And he is still going strong.
Many commentators believe England star Stokes’ off-field troubles have blunted his performance on the pitch. “Ben Stokes hasn’t been that aggressive in-your-face cricketer in this tournament due to what’s happened,” said former NZ allrounder Scott Styris. “And part of that reason I think is because he has to keep a low profile. That’s not his personality.”
The Royals, coming back after a twoyear ban and struggling in the race for a playoff place, have missed the explosive batting and bowling that made Stokes a leading all-rounder. He managed just eight wickets with the ball. “He needs to be that Ben Stokes the character who dominates the game,” added Styris.
Stokes was picked up for $2.16 million by RPS in 2017 and lived up to his reputation by hitting 316 runs and taking 12 wickets in 12 matches. It sealed him a reputation in India, which is why the Royals took the risk.
Former Australia batsman Dean Jones said Stokes’ relative lack of international cricket in recent months had affected his performance. He says Stokes should have played himself into this year’s IPL pressure cooker.
“It’s all about momentum at the start.”