Jason Roy chose to prioritize his mental and physical well-being over his commitments to the Kolkata Knight Riders in the 2024 Indian Premier League, emphasizing the need to put himself first.
England cricketer Jason Roy has disclosed his reasons for opting out of the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL), despite his previous stint with the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Prioritizing his mental and physical health over cricket commitments, Roy, after withdrawing from IPL 2024, saw KKR enlist the services of compatriot opener Phil Salt.
The 33-year-old highlighted the franchise’s trust in him, following his impactful performance in IPL 2023. Reflecting on his decision on The Athlete’s Voice podcast, Roy emphasized the toll recent months of cricket had taken on him and the importance of self-care.
“Missing this year’s IPL was a huge decision. I felt like I owe them a huge amount, but I just had to put myself first, just mindset and body,” said Roy.
“I’ve come off the back of not a huge amount of cricket. The last couple of months have really taken it out of me. It’s your decision. A lot of thought has gone into it, and it’s become far easier to talk about and a far easier decision, just because you know, especially from past experiences, what that can do to you,” he added.
In the IPL 2024 season, Kolkata Knight Riders welcomed back skipper Shreyas Iyer after his injury layoff. The franchise made headlines in the mini-auction by acquiring Mitchell Starc for a record-breaking INR 24.75 crore.
KKR started strong with three consecutive wins but faced a setback against Chennai Super Kings in their fourth match. Despite this, they remain determined to bounce back as they prepare to face Lucknow Super Giants at Eden Gardens on April 13.
Last Updated on April 12, 2024
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