In IPL, the city goes purple and gold in a week, pretty amazing: Chris Woakes

English speedster Chris Woakes looks mighty pleased with his stint at the Indian Premier League this year. Woakes turned up for the Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL 10. Unfortunately, he had to head back home after the league stages of the tournament due to national commitments. His team, the Knight Riders, were knocked out at the penultimate stage of the playoffs.

As per the recent quotes in The Guardian, Chris Woakes spoke at length about his stint at the most celebrated T20 league in the world. He noted that it was high-pressure game in hand while playing the IPL. The emphasis was always on giving the best shot and hence he would recommend the tournament to anyone willing to improve their game.

“It was a great experience. It looks like the best Twenty20 competition in the world and it lived up to expectations. The cricket was of a very high standard, against the world’s best. The pressure as an overseas player, where you are expected to perform, is something I will take forward. You see it on TV and think you know what it’s like but until you are in that pressure cooker, you don’t know. I’d 100% recommend it,” quoted Chris Woakes.

He further remarked that it was really amazing to see his picture on the advertisement hoardings and other promotional events. Also, the way the entire city gripped itself in the tournament was something worth being a part of as a cricketer.

Loving the IPL fever

“I’m not sure it was Woakes fever. When you first get there you have quite a few commitments with sponsors and a week later you find yourself on billboards. The city goes crazy for the team and turns purple and gold. It’s pretty cool,” he remarked.

Talking about the fact that he had to miss the early part of his English summer cricket action, Chris Woakes seems to have no regrets. He pointed out that if he had to attend the English summer, then it would have meant skipping the IPL – a tournament which has benefited him in multitudinous ways.

No regrets on missing the English summer

“I didn’t feel uncomfortable [missing the start of the English season] but when England are playing it’s a bit strange. The fact Warwickshire aren’t doing well is frustrating for the club but I’m sure they will turn it around. If I’d turned down the IPL I would have had regrets and missed an opportunity that has benefited me,” said Woakes.

Lastly, he maintained that playing for the national side remains to be the top most priority. However, being a part of the T20 leagues around the world is always a positive as it helps in improving the game a lot more in many ways.

“The be-all and end-all is playing for your country. You never take playing for England for granted but I do think T20 leagues can help your skills. It’s a catch-22 but I’m sure a balance will be struck and 99% of the time international cricket will take precedent,” he conceded.