IPL 2018: Rahul Tripathi says Ben Stokes is a really fun person to be around

Uncapped Indian batsman Rahul Tripathi and England all-rounder Ben Stokes shared the dressing room for the last couple of years in the Rising Pune Supergiant team, an association which has now extended to the Rajasthan Royals. Stokes has been Indian Premier League’s (IPL) costliest buy for two consecutive years but saw his image being tarnished after his involvement in the Bristol street brawl.

However, Tripathi revealed that despite the blows Stokes recently faced, his sense of humour is still the same. He also said that the Englishman keeps troubling him with pranks and is a fun person to be around.

“I think Stokesey is the same. He hasn’t changed. He has a great sense of humour. Really energetic. I think he really enjoys his game. On the field, he is always active. He keeps troubling me, he enjoys himself and is a really fun person to be around,” Tripathi said in a video posted by the Rajasthan Royals.

Ajinkya Rahane’s humility

He also spoke about Ajinkya Rahane, his humility, and his simplicity. Tripathi said that just observing Rahane from a distance can teach you a lot about cricket and life.

“Aju dada is an extremely humble person. Last year was the first time I played with him, opened with him. Every time I used to bat and go on to the field with him, he used to say, “keep playing, have a good intent”. Even off the field, he keeps telling me to stay calm and guides me. Even if you just observe him off the field, it teaches you a lot. How to succeed in life and always being humble.”

Tripathi scored 391 runs at an impressive strike rate of 146 for the Pune franchise last year and was one of the most valuable players of the tournament. This year, the 27-year-old is yet to play to his fullest potential. Tripathi is also the captain of the Maharashtra Cricket Association team.

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