IPL 2018: Ben Stokes leaves India with an emotional message for his team and fans

Rajasthan Royals (RR) will miss the services of Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler in their last league game against the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). They were included in the England Test squad for the series against Pakistan and were asked to report by May 17 by the cricket board. The Royals lost their game against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) last night which has now jeopardised their qualification for the playoffs. However, Stokes posted a heartwarming message for his teammates and fans while hoping that his team wins the coveted title.

Stokes was bagged by the Royals for a whopping amount of Rs 12.5 Crores following his exploits last year for the now-defunct Rising Pune Supergiant (RPS) franchise. But he failed to step up this year and struggled for the most part of the season. While he averaged only 16 with the bat mustering only 196 runs in 13 innings, his contribution with the ball was also not huge and only did better in the last couple of matches.

Stokes’ message

Ben Stokes though cleared that he gave all he had during this period for his team and was thankful for everyone at the Royals franchise who supported and played with him during his stint in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He also went on to say that his team has put in a lot of hard work and they deserve the title.

“Had a great time with @rajasthanroyals what a bunch of amazing people this franchise has, individually very disappointing but gave everything I had to give just wasn’t meant to be,hope we can get across the line tonight and make it through to the playoffs,would love to see these boys lifting the trophy at the end of the season as all the hard work put in by everyone deserves it #hallabol #RR,” he wrote in his message on Instagram.

Royals will now face RCB in their last league game which is a must-win for them as they will also hope for the other results to go their way in order to qualify for the playoffs. Moreover, they will have to find able replacements for both Buttler and Stokes and it will be hard for the team to perform up to the mark in the absence of their key players.

Here’s what Ben Stokes posted:

Had a great time with @rajasthanroyals what a bunch of amazing people this franchise has,individually very disappointing but gave everything I had to give just wasn't meant to be,hope we can get across the line tonight and make it through to the playoffs,would love to see these boys lifting the trophy at the end of the season as all the hard work put in by everyone deserves it #hallabol #RR

A post shared by Ben Stokes (@stokesy) on May 15, 2018 at 5:16am PDT

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