Ben Stokes is among the finest seam-bowling all-rounders to have played the game. Not many come close to the success he has achieved as a player across formats. He has been someone who has always prioritised international commitments over franchise cricket, something that is gradually becoming rare for players in the modern-day scenario.
However, how Stokes' career could have changed had he chosen to become an IPL legend, sending international cricket into the backseat?
Stokes has some phenomenal achievements
for England in the international arena. He is a generational figure who played a magnificent innings to help the Three Lions beat New Zealand via Boundary Count in the 2019 World Cup final. His knock in the 2019 Ashes Test at Headingley has also stood the test of time. With his captaincy, he transformed English cricket, implementing the 'Bazball' approach in tandem with head coach Brendon McCullum.
Stokes can be considered a global face of English cricket, who became a household name with his consistency as an exemplary all-rounder and a fearless captain.
Coming to Stokes' IPL career, he made his debut in 2017 for Rising Pune Supergiant. He showed his class immediately, winning the Most Valuable Player award. Stokes has played for Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings in the cash-rich league, but has not managed long stints with neither franchise.
If he had played full seasons consistently and committed more fully to the IPL, he had the skill set — power-hitting, bowling versatility, fielding flair, clutch temperament — to be a global T20 icon at par with an AB de Villiers or a Kieron Pollard.
Had Stokes prioritised playing in the IPL, he could have won the MVP award on multiple occasions. His presence as a global T20 face-cum-player would have helped the league attract some highly valued companies as sponsors. The 34-year-old could have built his legacy as one of the best all-rounders to have played in the league.
Having a player of Stokes' quality would have immensely benefited the players around him, as they would be able to pick the brains of the stalwart. However, prioritising IPL could have forced him to let go of some of the dreams he fulfilled in international cricket.
