IPL 2020: ‘Will go in with a positive mindset in the final game’ – Ben Stokes eyes win over KKR in final league fixture


IPL 2020: ‘Will go in with a positive mindset in the final game’ – Ben Stokes eyes win over KKR in final league fixture
Ben Stokes

Rajasthan Royals’ (RR) all-rounder Ben Stokes has been in terrific touch in the last two games. The Englishman has come up with two ‘Man of the Match’ performances in a row to nail steep chases for his side. RR find themselves at the 5th spot on the points table. They are level on points with Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) who are at the 4th spot. For RR to qualify, they’ll have to hope KXIP lose their final league fixture and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) don’t win their last two fixtures failing which they’ll have to win with a huge margin in their final league fixture against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).

Ben Stokes struggled initially in terms of form for the Royals since his return from New Zealand where he was looking after his ill father. He was promoted as an opener and he failed to hit the big shots in his first few games. However, in the game against Mumbai Indians (MI), Stokes delivered with a splendid hundred. He followed that up with two wickets, one acrobatic catch and a quick-fire fifty against KXIP to clinch victory in a crucial game.

‘It’s probably going to go down to the wire’ – Ben Stokes

Ben Stokes

Speaking after his Man of the Match performance against KXIP, Ben Stokes said, “We’ll be going in with a positive mindset in the final game. Obviously, we’ll look for the win in Dubai, KKR are a good side and we’ll have to play well and play with intent to beat them.”

Stokes also conceded that the league stages were going to go down to the wire. He said, “It’s probably going to go down to the wire, the race for the final four, we’ve just got to believe in ourselves, play positively, and carry the momentum we have.”

Stokes’ RR face KKR on Sunday in Dubai. By the time, the Royals take the field they will know the equation for them to qualify.

Also Read: IPL Playoffs: Close fight between RR and KXIP for fourth playoff spot