England’s all-rounder Ben Stokes has yet to arrive in the UAE to participate in the 2020 IPL for the Rajasthan Royals. Amid mounting rumors that Stokes could miss the first half of the tournament, Royals mentor Shane Warne provided an update on the availability of the SUV for this year’s Indian Premier League.
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Warne did not give a deadline for Stokes’ arrival in the United Arab Emirates, but seemed hopeful that England’s all-rounder will make it to the 2020 IPL.
“Hopefully Ben Stokes would play a role this year, it’s a huge loss and our thoughts are with him, but you know, add Ben to the team he played the other night and it looks like a very, very good team,” Warne said. . PTI.
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Stokes is currently in New Zealand with his family. It was there in August of this year after her father was diagnosed with brain cancer. She had also missed the last two tests against Pakistan for personal reasons. Stokes is one of RR’s main players, and Warne said his arrival will bolster the Jos Buttler, Steve Smith and Sanju Samson hitting lineup.
“I liked that he (Smith) came to open the innings,” Warne opined on Smith’s 69 and 50 in the first two games. “I always firmly believe that your best player has the opportunity to face the most number of deliveries, so to me you know that Jos Buttler, Steve Smith and Sanju are one, two and three, respectively.”
In fact, Warne feels that Smith and head coach Andrew McDonald shouldn’t play the top three no matter what.
“Steve Smith and Andrew McDonald may have different ideas, but I would always want my best players to face the maximum number of balls. We have so many good players who could play so many different roles, but I personally like Steve Smith at the top, ”added Warne.
(With PTI inputs)
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