Stokes not bitter over missing out on IPL final

Ben Stokes enjoyed an “amazing experience” in the Indian Premier League but insists he has no regrets about missing the showpiece finale.

The England all-rounder was named the IPL’s most valuable player after a revelatory debut season for Rising Pune Supergiant, making good on an eye-catching £1.7 million price tag.

But he was unable to help his team-mates in Sunday’s final defeat by Mumbai Indians, having joined up with an England training camp in Andalucia.

Former England skipper Kevin Pietersen, commentating at the IPL, decried Stokes’ absence in favour of “beers in Spain” but Stokes, who captioned a video of a team gym session using the same three words, stood his ground.

“There was a lot of stuff around saying I should have been able to play but it was agreed from the start...that was as long as I was going to stay regardless of what happened,” he said.

“I don’t know...it’s timing. I still managed to play 14 games in the group stages. It was an amazing experience but I won’t be too disappointed that I wasn’t out there playing.

“Playing for England is always the main priority in decisions like that, it was made very clear at the start of the tournament. The team and management of Pune were always aware of that, so I can’t really add too much.”

Stokes saw his stock soar to new levels during his stint with 12 wickets and 316 runs – including a stunning 103 not out against Gujarat Lions – not to mention some stunning work in the field

His MVP gong was merely confirmation of his status as one of the hottest properties on the global circuit and marks him out as the man to watch as England look to win the Champions Trophy on home soil this summer.

Stokes is back in England colours tomorrow for the opening match of Royal London One-Day Series against South Africa, with three games against the world’s no 1 50-over side representing a stern test for England.

Ben Stokes missed the IPL final as he attended England training.