Dollars over sense as Stokes exits IPL

Ben Stokes cost the Rajasthan Royals US$10,000 for every Indian Premier League run he managed this year, making him a luxury even by the opulent league's standards.

Stokes, under pressure over a looming court case for a street fight, was voted the IPL's Most Valuable Player last year and was the top foreign signing for 2018 with a $1.96 million deal.

But he left India this week having scored just 196 runs in 13 games, to go with eight wickets claimed at 38 runs apiece.

By contrast New Zealander Kane Williamson, captain of table-topping Sunrisers Hyderabad, has bashed his 625 runs so far for less than $725 each. And he is still going strong.

Many commentators believe England star Stokes' off-field troubles have blunted his performance on the pitch.

"Ben Stokes hasn't been that aggressive in-your-face cricketer in this tournament due to what's happened," Styris told AFP.

"And part of that reason I think is because he has to keep a low profile.

"That's not his personality."

The Royals, coming back after a two-year corruption ban and struggling in the race for a playoff place, have badly missed the explosive batting and bowling that made Stokes one of the world's leading allrounders.

"He needs to be that Ben Stokes, the character who dominates the game," added Styris.

"He was the number one allrounder in the world, he was (IPL) MVP."

Stokes was picked up for $2.16 million with Rising Pune Supergiant in 2017 and lived up to his reputation by hitting 316 runs and taking 12 wickets in 12 matches. It sealed him a big reputation in India, which is why the Royals paid a significant price for the star Englishman.

Former Australia batsman Dean Jones said Stokes' relative lack of international cricket in recent months had affected his performance.

"Stokes was MVP last year and this year he has missed out and that's the game T20," said Jones, adding that Stokes should have played himself into this year's IPL pressure cooker.

"Don't go there and start smacking from the word go.

"It's all about momentum at the start. If you have scores under your belt then you relax in your job, but he hasn't got that."

It is another Englishman, Jos Buttler, who has stolen the show at the Royals this year. Buttler's showing was in stark contrast to Stokes, as he hit 548 runs in 13 games at a strike-rate of 155.4.

Like Stokes, Buttler has returned home to prepare for England's first Test against Pakistan at Lord's on May 24.

The English duo recorded a video message for Royals fans before leaving, in which they expressed hope that the champions of the IPL's opening 2008 season would at least make the final four.

Royals play their last league game against Royal Challengers Bangalore on Saturday.

The seven-week tournament has $8 million in prize money, including $4m for the team crowned champions at the May 27 final in Mumbai.

Australian viewers can watch the 2018 season of the IPL exclusively on Fox Sports