England is scheduled to host India for a five-match Test series from 4 August at Trent Bridge in Nottingham which will also mark the beginning of the World Test Championship (WTC) 2021-2023 cycle.
But England’s star all-rounder Ben Stokes has decided to not only opt out of the upcoming Test series against powerhouse India but also take an indefinite break from the game to prioritise his mental wellbeing.
The Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Rajasthan Royals (RR) Stokes plays for, supported the cricketer in his decision and said that the franchise is with him.
It must be a very, very tough time – Kumar Sangakkara on Ben Stokes' mental health break
“More power to you, Ben. We're with you,” Royals wrote on Twitter from their official Twitter handle along with a heart emoji.
Here’s the tweet from Rajasthan Royals:
More power to you, Ben. We're with you. ???? https://t.co/WOdBIbZOgl
— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) July 30, 2021
The RR CEO Jake Lush McCrum also supported the Englishman as he posted a heartfelt message from Royals on Twitter.
“At the Royals and beyond we are all fully behind Ben and will support him in any way possible. He should take as long as he needs and thankfully has an amazing family and support system with him,” McCrum wrote on Twitter.
Have a look at Jake Lush McCrum’s tweet:
At the Royals and beyond we are all fully behind Ben and will support him in any way possible.
— Jake Lush McCrum (@JakeLushMcCrum) July 30, 2021
He should take as long as he needs and thankfully has an amazing family and support system with him. https://t.co/t3BWW4ngN6
As far as the Rajasthan-based franchise is concerned, they are likely to be without the services of the premier English all-rounder in the upcoming second-leg of the IPL 2021 which is slated to begin from September 19 in the UAE.
