The elevated participation of English gamers within the IPL, the place there may be fixed stress to carry out, will profit them through the T20 World Cup to be held in India later this yr, reckons star all-rounder Ben Stokes.
Over the years increasingly English gamers have chosen to participate within the profitable league. This yr, there are 14 England cricketers contracted to play IPL, together with Eoin Morgan, Jos Buttler, Stokes, Jonny Bairstow, Moeen Ali, Sam Curran, Tom Curran, Sam Billings, Liam Livingstone and Dawid Malan.
“Yes – the percentage of English players in the IPL has probably grown in the last five or so years,” Stokes, who will flip up for the Rajasthan Royals, instructed ‘Sky Sports’.
“Not only is that great for the individual but it is also great for the players involved in the England set-up; it gives them experience in the most high-profile competition in the world but not only that – you are under constant pressure to perform,” the imposing all-rounder added.
India is ready to host the T20 World Cup later this yr and Stokes feels it’s the good alternative for English gamers, who had been part of the recently-concluded tour of India, to get extra acquainted with the Indian circumstances.
“You’ve bought billions of individuals watching you and also you’ve bought the stress of the franchise on you.
“Being constantly exposed to that is a huge benefit to us as a team, especially with the T20 World Cup coming up at the end of the year in India; it’s a great chance for the English guys to get more experience in these conditions,” Stokes mentioned.
After being held within the United Arab Emirates final yr because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the IPL returns to India and Stokes hopes followers can be allowed again within the stadiums quickly.
“It’s nice for the competitors that it’s come again to its roots after happening in Dubai final yr, which was an achievement in itself.
“Fingers crossed that followers will likely be allowed again in sooner or later throughout this IPL as a result of they’re an enormous a part of this sport and why we play.
“It was an amazing feeling to have fans back in the grounds on our (England’s) recent tour of India – even though 100 per cent of the crowd were against us! Being back in the thick of that atmosphere was amazing!”
The Royals had a disappointing marketing campaign final yr, ending final. However, Stokes is optimistic in regards to the season forward.
“Last yr was clearly disappointing. Yes, we completed backside of the desk however I believe it’s not so simple as that. We ebbed and flowed with our performances all through the season: we had some nice ones adopted by some fairly poor performances.
“But every year is a clean slate and we are really excited about the prospects of what we are able to do on the field this year,” he added.
