IPL 2019 | I will stay for two games but Ben Stokes, Jofra Archer will leave, reveals Steve Smith
Steve Smith has stated that his Rajasthan Royals teammates Jofra Archer and Ben Stokes are set to depart after Thursday’s encounter against Kolkata Knight Riders. Smith will also depart for national duty with the World Cup around the corner but will be available for RR's next two games.
Rajasthan Royal's premier all-rounder Ben Stokes has been dismal with both the bat and ball this season. The 27-year-old has leaked runs at an economy of over 11, while he has only scored 123 runs, but has a reputation of single-handedly winning matches on his day. Jofra Archer has been the side’s go-to bowler in the Powerplay and the death overs, and despite that, he has been the most frugal bowler with an economy over under seven and is also the second highest wicket taker with 11 wickets. The returning Steve Smith had an inconsistent start to his season in the Indian Premier League but has struck form with two consecutive fifties, along with handling the captaincy workload as well
However, the cash-rich league is at its business end and with the World Cup starting from May 30, many overseas players are set to leave to join their national squad in preparation for the marquee event. Post Jos Butler's departure, Stokes and Archer are to depart after Thursday's encounter against Kolkata Knight Riders while Smith himself will not play the final league game on May 5, and the following playoffs if the team manages to qualify.
“Jofra and Stokesy are off tonight, so two big holes to fill. I'm here for 13 games,” said Smith at the post-match presentation ceremony, reported ESPN Cricinfo.
RR had won the toss and put KKR to bat, but the Dinesh Karthik led side went on to score 175 owing to an unbeaten 97 run knock from the skipper. In reply, RR started exceedingly well with 53 runs in five overs, but a flurry of wickets left them stuttering at 78 for 4 in ten overs, with the top four back to the pavilion. However, Shreyas Gopal and Stuart Binny chipped in with small contributions, but the partnership between Riyan Parag and Archer sealed the game for the side. The 17-year-old played a mature knock of 47 in 31 balls, whereas Jofra remained unbeaten on 27 in 12. The skipper was all praise for the young sensation.
“We certainly made it difficult for ourselves, lost too many wickets in clumps through that middle section after a good start. Riyan Parag, isn't he an impressive young man? And some great contributions from Archer and Gopal too,” asserted the 29-year-old.
Varun Aaron, who ended up with figures of 20 for two, was awarded the Man of the Match for his fiery bowling. IPL debutant Oshane Thomas also bowled well, giving away 32 runs for one wicket. The skipper did not fail to credit the duo’s fine performance.
“I thought they (KKR) bowled really well in the Powerplay. We saw a bit of grass on the wicket and thought we'd let the quicks go at them. I thought Oshane did a great job on IPL debut, and Varun Aaron was outstanding,”
The Royals could only secure two wins in the first six games, but they have secured two more wins in the last four games. The skipper is of the belief that winning close games would make their season.
“I guess the first five or six games we weren't able to get over the line in those close ones. And when you do that it sort of makes your season, and if you don't it can break your season,” he signed off.
Aaron played the first game of this season on April 2 against Royal Challengers Bangalore but gave away 16 runs in the lone over that he had bowled on the day. However, the 29-year-old has made a staggering comeback against KKR. He has played nine Tests and ODIs each for India, but after the match, he revealed his desire to once again represent his country.
"Everything is fine (with my leg). Got resolved in half hour, just cramps. I had a viral for the past three days and I'm just recovering from that. I felt I sweated extra and body just got dehydrated. I always believe in myself. I felt that the one over I bowled in the previous game, I didn't do too much wrong in that. I was looking forward to make the most of my opportunity when I got a chance. I'm feeling good. All I want to do is play for the country and win matches,” Aaron expressed.
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