Star player chooses national duties over Indian T20 League responsibilities
Rajasthan (Image Source: BCCI/IPL)
Rajasthan is due to play Bangalore in Qualifier 2 of the Indian T20 League 2022 on 27th May, Friday at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. But ahead of the all-important clash, the star all-rounder from New Zealand, Daryl Mitchell has decided to leave the Rajasthan camp. He will be missing the Qualifier 2 to join his national team in the UK for the upcoming Test series against England.
Mitchell will make himself available for his national team ahead of New Zealand’s practice match against First Class Counties XI, starting on May 26 in Chelmsford. Meanwhile, the other two Kiwis in the Rajasthan squad, Trent Boult and Jimmy Neesham will stay back with the team. Notably, New Zealand will be England in a three-match Test series between June 2 to June 23.
The development of Mitchell leaving the camp was confirmed by a video released by the franchise on their official Twitter handle. In the video the Director of Cricket of the Rajasthan franchise, Kumar Sangakkara said- “Daryl’s been with us right from the start, he’s been an exceptional part of our group. He’s done a huge amount for us in terms of energy, being in the character that he is, helping out, supporting, playing, fielding, and getting to know each of us.”
“So, we have asked everyone from the start to give a little bit of themselves to the group and Daryl has done an amazing job for us. We wish you very well for the series against England. There’s a practice game on 26th, we will be watching and supporting.”- Sangakkara added.
Notably, Mitchell just played two matches for the team in the tournament. He also gave a farewell speech, in which he said- “It’s obviously sad to leave at such a crucial time, but I will definitely be watching and looking forward to the video call of the team lifting up the trophy.”
Rajasthan lost against Gujarat in Qualifier 1 after they posted a total of 188 runs in their 20 overs. Jos Buttler played a knock of 89 runs from 56 deliveries. But his efforts went in vain as Hardik Pandya and David Miller got Gujarat over the line by seven wickets with 3 balls remaining in the match.
