Hope Intimidating Ben Stokes Can Carry His Form Into IPL 2021: Jos Buttler

England’s stand-in captain Jos Buttler ahead of the series-deciding third ODI against India has said that Ben Stokes‘ ultra-aggressive batting approach intimidates the bowlers bowling to him. Stokes has been batting at no.3 in absence of Joe Root in the ODI series.

He was the architect of England’s win in the second ODI as they chased down the 337-run target with more than 6 overs to spare. Stokes made 99 runs with 10 sixes and 4 fours and added 175 runs for the second wicket with Jonny Bairstow who made 124 with 7 sixes and 11 fours, putting India out of the contest early on in the game.

May Ben Stokes’ Intimidating Form Continue In The IPL 2021, says Rajasthan Royals’ Teammate Jos Buttler

England’s captain Jos Buttler mentioned that Ben Stokes is in terrific form with the bat and hopes he continues his form for the Rajasthan Royals, the IPL franchise both of them represent, in the upcoming IPL 2021 season.

“He is an intimidating guy to bowl at and may that form continue into tomorrow and as a fellow Rajasthan Royal (team-mate) into the IPL. He (Stokes) has had a few (innings) and his World Cup final (80 odd) one was pretty good. But we all know the talent Ben has. I feel like his batting in the last few years has continued to improve and go to another level and we have seen that in all formats,” Buttler said about Stokes.

Impressive To Watch Ben Stokes Bat This Way: Jos Buttler

Ben Stokes has two centuries in the Indian Premier League (IPL), the second of which came in the IPL 2020 edition where the Rajasthan Royals finished last on the points table. This led to the Royals releasing their captain Steve Smith before the IPL 2021 auction. However, the Royals still have the batting power of captain Sanju Samson, David Miller, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Jos Buttler, Ben Stokes, and many others.

“It was impressive to watch how Ben (Stokes) always wants to bat. He is involved in the game as much as he can. It was fantastic to watch and it was no surprise that he played so well in that position,” Buttler said at the pre-match virtual press conference ahead of the third ODI.

The third ODI will be played on March 28 at the MCA Stadium in Pune and the winner of this match will win the ODI series as well.

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