‘Look forward to playing with MSD, Smith’

London, February 21

England all-rounder Ben Stokes, who became the highest paid overseas player in the Indian Premier League auction, is excited about sharing the dressing room with Steve Smith and MS Dhoni in his maiden stint at the cash-rich event.

“I am really looking forward to playing with MS Dhoni and Steve Smith. It will be great to share the dressing room with both these players. Dhoni is one of the biggest players in the world and Smith too is one of the best. I have had some heated moments with Smith still I am looking forward to play alongside him. He is an amazing player,” Stokes said.

The all-rounder had a good last year and was impressive during the recent series in India even though England lost the Test, ODI and T20I series.

Pune is the home ground for Rising Pune Supergiants and Stokes is looking forward to play there.

“Pune is one of my favourite grounds. I had a great time during the ODI series against India and I am looking forward to coming back at this venue.”

Stokes also made it clear that he will be available for most of the IPL as he will skip England’s two-match ODI series against Ireland.

“I might miss only the last group game. I will play most of it. I will probably play the full season. I am looking forward to playing plenty of T20 cricket, something we don’t get to do as England players,” he said. Stokes hoped more English players would play IPL in future. “Both Eoin Morgan and Jos Buttler have had nothing but high praise for the tournament. Hopefully, you will see more England players in the future in this tournament.” — PTI