Stokes goes from MVP to Royal disappointment in IPL

FILE PHOTO: Cricket - England Nets - Hagley Oval, Christchurch, New Zealand - March 29, 2018 - England's Ben Stokes. REUTERS/Paul Childs

NEW DELHI (Reuters) - Fourth months after splashing out $1.97 million to secure the services of Ben Stokes, Rajasthan Royals cannot be faulted for regretting the splurge as they struggle to stay afloat in this year's Indian Premier League (IPL).

Stokes, then with Rising Pune Supergiant, set alight last year's tournament with his scintillating batting, crafty bowling and electric fielding, making him the obvious choice for the league's Most Valuable Player (MVP) honour.