IPL Brilliance: Ben Stokes' Top 5 Game-Changing Moments
The New Zealand-born England cricketer Ben Stokes has unquestionably solidified his position as one of contemporary cricket's premier all-rounders. His influential performances with both bat and ball played a pivotal role in England's successes, particularly their victory in the 2019 World Cup and memorable moments like his heroic century at Headingley during the Ashes series.
In his first IPL season in 2017, Stokes grabbed attention as the Rising Pune Supergiant acquired him for a staggering price of INR 14.5 crore. He promptly justified his high price tag with stellar performances, including an unbeaten century.
Despite facing challenges in the IPL seasons of 2018 and 2019, Stokes made a strong comeback in the IPL 2020 edition. He showcased his aggressive batting style by scoring 285 runs from 8 matches, including a spectacular century while opening the batting against the Mumbai Indians.
Stokes featured in just one match during the 2021 IPL and opted out of the 2022 season. A player's availability for specific seasons can be influenced by injuries and various factors. For the 2023 IPL, Stokes chose to participate and entered his name for the auction. Chennai Super Kings acquired the premier all-rounder for a substantial 16.25 crores, marking the third-highest purchase in the auction.
Let's explore Ben Stokes' top 5 performances in the IPL.
1. 107* vs Mumbai Indians (2020)
In the IPL 2020 match between Rajasthan Royals and Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan had to chase a challenging target of 196 runs for victory. Despite losing two early wickets with only 44 runs on the board, the team staged a robust comeback, spearheaded by the partnership between Ben Stokes and Sanju Samson.
Ben Stokes played a crucial role in guiding Rajasthan towards the target. He demonstrated exceptional batting skills and the ability to handle quality bowling attacks with his explosive innings of 107* runs off just 60 deliveries. Stokes and Samson aggressively took on the Mumbai Indians bowlers, displaying determination and aggression throughout their partnership.
2. 103* vs Gujarat Lions (2017)
In the IPL 2017 match between Rising Pune Supergiants and Gujarat Lions, the Supergiants had the challenge of chasing down 161 runs for victory. However, their innings got off to a difficult start as they struggled at 42 for four at one stage.
In this crucial encounter, Ben Stokes emerged as the saviour for the Supergiants. He anchored the innings with a magnificent display of both resilience and aggression.
Stokes played a crucial role in the Supergiants' victory with his match-winning knock of 103* runs off just 63 deliveries. His capacity to handle pressure situations and his aggressive yet calculated approach earned him the Man of the Match award for his outstanding performance.
3. 3/18 vs Kolkata Knight Riders (2017)
Ben Stokes has demonstrated his bowling prowess in the Indian Premier League on multiple occasions. One notable instance occurred on April 20, 2017, when he played for the Rising Pune Supergiant against the Kolkata Knight Riders.
Stokes delivered an exceptional bowling performance in that match, securing 3 wickets while conceding just 18 runs. His ability to blend accuracy with variations made him a formidable asset for his team, causing trouble for the Kolkata Knight Riders batters with his skilful bowling.
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4. 3/28 vs Delhi Daredevils (2018)
On May 5, 2018, in an Indian Premier League (IPL) match between the Rajasthan Royals and the Delhi Daredevils, Ben Stokes demonstrated his bowling capability by claiming 3 wickets for 28 runs. His impactful bowling performance significantly contributed to the Rajasthan Royals gaining a competitive edge in the match against their opponents.
Stokes showcased his effectiveness as a bowler in the IPL by picking up key wickets and containing the opposition's scoring rate.
5. 3/32 vs Royal Challengers Bangalore (2018)
In 2018, during a match between the Rajasthan Royals and the Royal Challengers Bangalore, Ben Stokes delivered a noteworthy bowling performance, securing 3 wickets for 32 runs.
Stokes's ball-playing contribution significantly influenced the Rajasthan Royals' efforts to contain the Royal Challengers Bangalore's batting lineup. His skill in taking key wickets and applying pressure on the opposition exemplified his value as a crucial asset for the Rajasthan Royals.
Conclusion -
In the thrilling world of IPL, Ben Stokes has left an indelible mark with his top 5 game-changing moments. From explosive centuries to crucial wicket-taking performances, Stokes has showcased his brilliance on the field. Check out the Fast Live Line app and website for real-time updates on Cricket Live Line and to stay ahead in the game. Your ultimate cricket live line guru, providing instant scores and insights. Experience the excitement as it unfolds, ensuring you never miss a moment of the IPL action. Download the app or visit the website now!
