IPL 2018: Can Ben Stokes justify his price tag?
During 2018 Indian Premier League auction, Rajasthan Royals broke the bank for the acquisition of Ben Stokes. The player played for Rising Pune Supergiant last season and helped them reach the final. The sum of Rs. 12.5 crore is massive and one wonders can the all-rounder justify his tag of being the costliest recruit? Here we analyse what Stokes brings on table for Rajasthan.
What made him so costly?
Stokes has earned the right to be called the best all-rounder in the world at the moment. Be it Tests, ODIs or T20Is, his presence and all-round skills are unmatched. He played a crucial role in his debut campaign for Pune, scoring 316 runs and picking 12 wickets. Due to his match-winning skills, he received high bids during auction. Royals had the last laugh!
His performances tell a story
The 26-year-old is yet to reach his peak but he has already shown what a special player he is. He has 6 Test centuries with a top score of 258 and 95 wickets. In ODIs he slammed three centuries and has an average of 35.82.
How has Stokes performed recently?
Stokes was suspended by the England and Wales Cricket Board last September after his club brawl incident. It made him miss the Ashes 2017-18 and the subsequent ODI and T20I tri-nation series. Since his return, he has excelled against New Zealand in ODIs picking five wickets and scoring 143 runs. He will next be seen in the upcoming two-match Test series against New Zealand.
IPL's tryst with all-rounders
The IPL is known for franchises going heavy on all-rounders and do not mind splashing the cash. Supergiant paid Rs 14.5 crores for Stokes last season. In 2016, RCB went big on Shane Watson when they shelled out Rs. 9.5 crore. The likes of Chris Woakes (2018), Mitchell Marsh (2016), Andrew Flintoff (2009) have all received big chunks. All-rounders give teams the strong base.
What's our take on Ben's sum?
With IPL being the richest T20 league in the world, money is bound to be spent on players even if it involves an element of risk. With Stokes the amount of risk lessens since he delivers the goods. He is worth the money RR spent.
