Why ben stokes is not playing ipl
Ben Stokes, one of the most prominent cricketers in England and internationally known for his tremendous skills on the pitch, caused waves in cricket spheres during Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021. It was then that it was announced that he’d withdrawn from playing the remainder of this tournament to focus on his mental wellbeing and rest his injured index finger.
Why is Ben Stokes not Playing IPL?
As an English international all-rounder cricketer, Ben Stokes’ absence from cricket’s biggest stage draws significant attention. Rajasthan Royals’ premier player took a break from cricket after participating in only Rajasthan’s first match where he injured his finger while fielding against Punjab Kings XI in IPL 2021. This abrupt decision left many questions in the minds of fans.
Finger Injury
Stokes suffered a finger injury during a routine catch at deep square leg off Chris Gayle’s batting. Termed initially as minor, analyses later revealed that he had broken his hand. The extent of the damage made it unfeasible for him to continue with bowling or batting in practice sessions or matches, therefore leaving him no choice but to withdraw to seek medical treatment.
Mental Health
In addition to physical injury, Stokes also made mention of another perspective: concerns about his mental health. He confessed feeling mentally drained due to bio-bubble life and frequent quarantines associated with International sports touring during these unprecedented COVID times. Stokes chose to prioritize his mental well-being by taking some time off from professional cricket for restoration; a move applauded by fellow players who acknowledged the intensity and pressure of sport at this level.
Concerns Around Bio-Bubbles Life
A substantial part of managing the game amidst pandemic involves staying within “bio bubbles” – essentially restricted interaction zones which minimize potential exposure risks among teams. However, such measures came with their own challenges. Stokes, like many athletes worldwide, found bio-bubble life taxing and monotonous, leading to mounting mental stress which eventually culminated in his decision to step away.
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The Official Announcement
Ben Stokes’ withdrawal was official when Rajasthan Royals issued a statement expressing solidarity with Ben’s situation and respecting his wishes. The club assured everyone that they will offer all possible support to ensure the all-rounder’s well-being.
Reactions to Stoke’s Decision
Following this announcement, fans expressed understanding for Stokes’ need to prioritize his physical and mental health over cricket matters. His teammates did too, emphasizing how living within bio-bubbles takes its toll on players’ mental health after prolonged periods of isolation and restriction. The general consensus reaffirmed the belief that helping an athlete maintain significant aspects of wellbeing is as important as their performance capabilities.
Stoke’s Impact on the Team Performance
Stokes’ absence undoubtedly had colossal implications for Rajasthan Royals because his unique blend of batting, bowling and fielding properties offered match-winning potentials. He was instrumental in carrying the team forward during challenging times and seeing him sidelined affected strategizing dynamics profoundly.
Wrapping Up
Emerging from these circumstances is the increased awareness about sports stars not being immune to mental health issues–their constant exposure to high-pressure environments can take a significant toll physically and psychologically. Consequently, the likes of governing bodies might start factoring such considerations into their future planning schedules, especially given pandemic-induced scenarios impacting routines.
Cricket is a game played by humans who are susceptible to injuries and other untenable situations – it’s essential that paramount importance be placed upon players’ welfare without prejudicially bracketing them purely based on professional commitments alone. This universal application extends beyond just Ben Stokes or IPL but envelops the whole sporting fraternity globally.
