Chris Woakes of Delhi Capitals walks away from IPL 2020

English all-rounder Chris Woakes has decided not to take part in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) to stay fresh ahead of England’s home Test season. In the recent IPL auction, Woakes was bought by Delhi Capitals for a price tag of 1.5 crore rupees.

England will be playing a 2-match Test series against Sri Lanka starting 19th March. They are then scheduled to play six home Tests next summer, starting with a series against West Indies from 4th June. According to a report on ESPNCricinfo, the 31-year-old bowling all-rounder will not take part in the IPL, which begins on 29th March. Woakes has not played a T20 match since August 2018, and last played a T20I for England in November 2015.

Chris Woakes was one of eight overseas players in the Delhi Capitals squad alongside Jason Roy, Marcus Stoinis, Alex Carey, Keemo Paul, Sandeep Lamichhane, Kagiso Rabada and Shimron Hetmyer.

Featuring in only two IPL editions, Woakes’ record in the t20 tournament is not glittering. In 18 matches, he has managed to take 25 wickets but at a high cost of conceding 9.24 runs per over. He has represented Kolkata Knight Riders (2017) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (2018) in the IPL thus far.