All-rounder Ben Stokes has reckoned that the participation of the England players in the upcoming IPL will benefit for the World T20 slated to take place later this year in India.
There are as many 14 English players who are in the IPL this year. The tally includes prominent names like captain Eoin Morgan, Stokes, Jonny Bairstow, Jos Buttler, SRH new recruit Jason Roy, Sam Curran, Tom Curran, Moeen Ali, Dawid Malan and Liam Livingstone.
“Yes – the percentage of English players in the IPL has probably grown in the last five or so years,” Stokes told ‘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.
Stokes further added that the cash-rich league is an opportunity for the players to prepare themselves and get in the groove for the World T20 this year. “It’s a great chance for the English guys to get more experience in these conditions,” Stokes said.
Stokes is a part of the Rajasthan Royals franchise. RR will begin their IPL 2021 campaign on April 12 against Punjab Kings in Mumbai.
The Royals lifted the trophy in the inaugural edition of the IPL but haven’t won it after that. They would be looking to turn tables for themselves with the new captain in the ranks. RR released Steve Smith ahead of the mini auctions that were held in Chennai in February and named Sanju Samson as the new skipper.