Rajasthan Royals is waiting eagerly for their star all-rounder Ben Stokes to complete his quarantine period and don the pink jersey. The English talisman is one of the best all-rounders in the world and RR would be glad to have him back for the Sunrisers Hyderabad. But what is it about him that has kept everyone waiting for his return?
Magic 1: His world cup winning performance
Had it not been for Ben Stokes heroics, New Zealand had almost won the 2019 World Cup. England was 86 for 4 when the English all-rounder walked in to help his team chase a fighting target of 241-runs.
The game had been gripping throughout. But it was the final over which turned it into a Hitchcock thriller. England needed 15 runs in six balls, and it as Stokes vs Trent Boult.
The first two deliveries produced nothing. Stokes hit the fielders ad declined to run; the crowd, at least the majority of them, booed. The next ball then went flying over midwicket for six., Nine runs in three balls.
Now comes the twist that not even the greatest of scriptwriters could have conceived. Stokes heaved again and the ball rushed to midwicket. Martin Guptill quickly sent the ball back to the wicketkeeper to which Stokes was sprinting to complete a second run. He dived desperately for safety and the ball hit his bat and was redirected towards the boundary; and four. It became the game-changing moment of the day.
Stokes was adjudged the Man of the Match for his 86 off 94 balls.
Magic 2: Heroics of Ashes
Stokes had produced the innings of a lifetime to snatch a one-wicket victory from the jaws of the mighty Australians. To put it into perspective, it was something similar to Liverpool’s comeback at 2005 Champions League final. When all hope seemed lost, and with it the Ashes, the English talisman held his nerve with an unbeaten 135 to seal a thrilling one-wicket win at Headingley last year.
Magic 3: 2017 IPL finals penultimate over
Pune had although lost 2017 to Mumbai, Stokes magic had etched its name amongst the best bowling performances in IPL history. Stokes might not be the most consistent and accurate bowler who the captain would turn to in keep things quiet. But whenever the ball is thrown to him, he is known to create an impact. His impressive figure of 1lb-0WD-1-1-1-1-1 is still considered amongst the best IPL figures in death overs.
Smith will once again be looking forward to the comeback of his best all-rounder to resurrect Rajasthan Royals drowning campaign. Stokes will be available for selection from October 11.
Editors pick
