IPL 2018: Ben Stokes names his favourite city in India

In what was an informal interview on ESPNCricinfo between Rajasthan Royals teammates Ben Stokes and Jaydev Unadkat, the former mentioned that his favourite city in India is Jaipur. He was also quick to add some humour to it when Unadkat asked if he said that because he was picked by Royals or if he genuinely felt so. Stokes answered with a joke, saying it was because he was selected.

As the fixture between Rajasthan Royals and Delhi Daredevils is underway, it is homecoming for the team that is returning after a two-year ban. Interestingly, the Sawai Man Singh Stadium has a win percentage of 72.24% for the home team, which is the highest for any team at home. Their first game at Jaipur would also mean this would be the first time Stokes will take field on this ground.

Will it be a winning start for @RajasthanRoyals at Ben Stokes' favourite place in India? https://t.co/aU3wrAEOdE pic.twitter.com/WI1OY8bF63

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) April 11, 2018

Most expensive buy!

He is their most expensive buy and is overall the costliest player to be bought in the auction for two consecutive years. Last year, he was brought for 14.5 Crores by Rising Pune Super Giants and was Rs. 12.5Crores by Rajasthan Royals, this year. The Englishman is currently facing trial for affray but that did not spoil his chances of being the most sought after player in IPL.

He was out of action during the Ashes after he was arrested for the brawl at Bristol. However, he was cleared by the ECB to play domestic cricket in New Zealand and was declared available for selection after he pleaded not guilty. England are due to play the first test match of a five-game series against India at Edgbaston Cricket Ground in Birmingham between 1-5 August, with Stokes’ trial due to start a day later. The trial is expected to last between five and seven days, which means there is a risk Stokes could miss the Lord’s Test on 9 August.

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