Headache for Pune after Stokes’ exit
The departure of Ben Stokes has given Rising Pune Supergiant a selection headache as they sit down to finalise their playing XI for the 2017 IPL Qualifier 1 against Mumbai Indians, at the Wankhede Stadium on Tuesday.
Stokes will join the England team for a preparatory camp in Spain ahead of the ODI series against South Africa and the Champions Trophy. The England all-rounder excelled in all departments, scoring 316 runs and taking 12 wickets and was key to Rising Pune Supergiant’s surge up the table. His nonavailability ahead of the crucial encounter will surely upset Pune’s rhythm, who have no one of Stokes’ calibre to take his place.
Dan Christian, who has played second fiddled to Stokes till now, will have to take on more responsibility when Pune take the field against Mumbai. The Australian has done well with the ball but his ability with the bat is no way near to Stokes.
If Pune decide to include an international player in place of Stokes, they have just two options on the bench – quick bowler Lockie Ferguson or batsman Usman Khawaja. While Ferguson impressed with the ball in the last match he played, Khawaja hasn’t featured in this edition. If Pune decide to field an Indian player, they have to choose between Ankit Sharma, Rajat Bhatia and Ashok Dinda.
All the above mentioned names have hardly figured in the IPL this season, which has tied Pune’s hands as it weakens them in both departments.
Kevin Pietersen, who was part of Pune’s line-up last season, lambasted the England and Wales Cricket Board’s decision to recall Stokes. “I think it’s pathetic. An absolute shambles,” the former England batsman said on Sky Sports. “Stokes should be playing in the semifinal, and the final. The last week of the IPL is a huge occasion.”
Ajinkya Rahane, who has been struggling at the top of the order, feels there is no need to worry as they have players who can take Stokes’ place.
“Yes, we will definitely miss Stokesy because he has done really well for us in both batting and bowling as well as in fielding. But we have a few experienced internationals who have done well in this format. We are not sure who we’ll play once Stokesy is gone. But all the Indian players are doing well,” Rahane had said after their comprehensive victory over Kings XI Punjab on Sunday which also sealed their play-off place.
THE ENGLAND ALLROUNDER EXCELLED IN ALL DEPARTMENTS, SCORING 316 RUNS AND TAKING 12 WICKETS AND WAS KEY TO RPS’ SURGE UP THE TABLE.