Does Ben Stokes Have the Potential to be One of the Best Ever IPL Players?
Stokes is considered by some to be the best all-rounder in the world, and this assertion is backed up by some compelling evidence.
This all-rounder can pull off anything on the cricket field. #CricTracker #IPL2020 #SRHvRR #BenStokes
— CricTracker (@Cricketracker) October 11, 2020
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Ben Stokes was highly impressive in his first-ever season in the Indian Premier League when he played for Rising Pune Supergiant. During that debut campaign in 2017, the England international was named Man of the Match three times in 14 games and made the IPL XI for the season on Cricinfo and Cricbuzz. Now with the Rajasthan Royals, Stokes will be looking to become one of the best players to grace the sport.
Stokes Looking to Make Waves in 2020
Stokes was the most expensive player in the 2018 IPL Auction when he signed with RR for £1.7 million, but up to now, the 29-year-old has failed to live up to the price tag. When playing for RPS in 2017, Stokes scored 316 runs and claimed 12 wickets in 12 games. But in 2018 and 2019, he barely came close to these figures. In 2018 he notched 196 runs with the highest score of 45, and in 2019 he accrued 123 runs in nine games with the highest score of 46.
The all-rounder is now looking to set the record straight in 2020, and possibly outdo his best times in the IPL in 2017. Since then, Stokes has arguably improved as a player for England and will now be looking to translate this success to the Indian competition. When Stokes is in the squad, the today match prediction for the games would most certainly be in favour of the Englishman’s side, due to his explosive potential with the bat.
Considered By Some to Be Best in the World
Stokes is considered by some to be the best all-rounder in the world, and this assertion is backed up by some compelling evidence. For instance, his innings against South Africa when he managed 258 runs from 198 balls in 2016 is one of the most aggressive performances ever seen. This was the second-fastest double century in the history of the game. Stokes is currently ranked second in the test all-rounder standings with a rating of 446, but he is only one point behind Jason Holder on 447.
Another claim that could be made about the Englishman is that he enjoyed the greatest innings ever seen in test cricket. This was in 2019 when he scored 135 not out to win the fourth Ashes test for England against all odds. Australia’s victory in that match seemed to be secured, but Stokes battled like a Spartan warrior and single-handedly sealed the victory for the home side.
Stiff Competition in IPL History
However, Stokes has a long way to go before he is considered among the IPL greats and he needs to translate some of his test match excellence to the Indian competition. There are some seriously impressive cricketers in the list of best IPL players of all time, with most people agreeing that the finest ever batsman was Chris Gayle. The West Indies hitter fired 2,512 runs in 59 matches and will be a hard person to top. But if anyone is capable of it, it's Ben Stokes.