Stokes makes low-key exit after IPL struggles

NEW DELHI: Ben Stokes cost the Rajasthan Royals $10,000 for every Indian Premier League run he managed this year, making him a luxury even by the opulent league’s standards.Stokes, under pressure over a looming court case for a street fight, was voted the IPL’s Most Valuable Player last year and was the top foreign signing for 2018 with a $1.96 million deal.But he left India this week having scored just 196 runs in 13 games.By contrast New Zealander Kane Williamson, captain of table-topper Sunrisers Hyderabad, has bashed his 625 runs so far for less than $725 each. And he is still going strong.Many commentators believe England star Stokes’ off-field troubles have blunted his performance on the pitch.“Ben Stokes hasn’t been that aggressive in-your-face cricketer due to what’s happened,” said former New Zealand all-rounder Scott Styris.“And part of that reason I think is because he has to keep a low profile. That’s not his personality,” Styris told AFP on the sidelines of his Star Sports show Select Dugout.The Royals, coming back after a two-year corruption ban and struggling in the race for a playoff place, have badly missed the explosive batting and bowling that made Stokes one of the world’s leading all-rounders. He managed just eight wickets with the ball.

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