As the Indian Premier League comes round in corner, players and teams gear up for the same of what will be an exciting affair. And Delhi Capitals is no exception, the team has started their nets and practice sessions with a quest to win their first Indian Premier League title. However, just before the tournament, the team has received a major setback, as the Delhi Capital’s key player Chris Woakes decides to step out of the IPL this year.
The Delhi franchise had bagged Woakes for a whopping amount of Rs 1.5 crore in the auction held in December last year. Woakes has already declared it to the franchise about his decision, and as per the reports, Delhi has started to search for his replacement as well.
Chris Woakes’ decision came as a shocker and surprising at the same time since IPL is a platform where many foreign players wait for the opportunity to prove their worth, However, the 31-year-old wants to stay fresh to represent England during their international summer later this year according to Daily Mail.
England’s summer schedule is all tide-up, and that is the major reason for the all-rounder not traveling to India for the IPL. After playing a key role for England in the World Cup last year, he also was a part of the Ashes which followed and toured New Zealand and South Africa during the winter. Currently, he is preparing for the two-match Test series in Sri Lanka.
As soon as the Test series ends on March 31, players like Jos Buttler, Ben Stokes, and Sam Curran will be traveling to India to take part in the IPL which, it seems, is a little too much for Woakes. England players are expected to be back from India by May 26 with the final of the tournament set to be played on May 24.
As soon as they return from the IPL, they will start preparing for the West Indies series at home. Windies are scheduled to play three Tests commencing from June 4 in England and Chris Woakes wants to stay fresh for the busy home summer. Many would-be looking forward to seeing who replaces him in the Delhi Capitals’ squad.
