IPL 2018 | Ben Stokes bids goodbye, wishes best luck for Rajasthan Royals

Stokes left for England for the preparation of the Pakistan series after Rajasthan Royals’ loss against KKR in Eden Gardens on Tuesday. Stokes had a special message for the fans, which the team posted on its social media handle before the match. In the message, he admitted that things have not gone his way, but hoped that the team would make it to the playoffs. Although he won’t be taking part any further in the tournament, he stated that he would be supporting the team by watching the matches on TV.   

"It's my last game here for the Royals before I head back to England. I thoroughly enjoyed my time here and it's been amazing group to be part of and hopefully we can win tonight," he said as quoted by India Today.

"Then I will obviously be watching from home if the Royals get through to the play-offs. Hasn't gone as I would have like to personally, but at the end of the day it's about how the team performs."

Having scored 185 runs from 12 games and picking up just 5 wickets, Stokes campaign this season in IPL could be termed ‘average’ at best. He pointed out that the team has been performing well in the last three matches and hoped that they would continue to perform the same way. In the end, he thanked the fans who have stuck around the team and have shown their unconditional support. 

"In the last three games we have showed what we can do and hopefully we can continue this good form and go through to the play-offs and hopefully lift the title," he said.

"I just want to say thank you to all the fans and everybody who have supported us throughout the tournament. Keep sticking with us, we are trying our hearts out every time we step out onto the field. And, all we can ask that you keep supporting us. All the best to everyone going forward. Cheers," he concluded.

Setting the tournament on fire last year for Rising Pune Supergiants, Stokes was honored with the Most Valuable Player in the league. After being picked for a hefty price at the auctions earlier this year, the English all-rounder hasn’t quite looked in his groove. Stokes also suffered a setback off the pitch when he was charged with affray following an incident in Bristol last September, costing him a place on England's Ashes tour of Australia.

The player has pleaded not guilty and will face trial in August.