England opener Jason Roy reveals why he opted out of IPL 2024 | Cricket News

NEW DELHI: England opener Jason Roy has made the tough call to withdraw from the IPL 2024 season with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), prioritizing his well-being over cricket commitments. Roy’s departure has led KKR to enlist fellow England opener Phil Salt as his replacement.
Reflecting on his decision, Roy emphasized the significance of putting his personal needs first, particularly with his daughter’s fifth birthday coinciding with the IPL’s commencement.

He acknowledged the trust KKR had placed in him after a successful stint in IPL 2023, where he contributed 285 runs in eight matches.

“Missing this year’s IPL was a huge decision,” Roy shared on The Athlete’s Voice podcast. “I felt like I owe them a huge amount, but I just had to put myself first, just mindset and body.”
Roy’s recent workload, combined with family commitments, prompted his withdrawal from the IPL. Despite his absence from international duty during the 2023 Men’s ODI World Cup, Roy remained active in various T20 leagues, showcasing his versatility.
“I’ve come off the back of not a huge amount of cricket,” Roy explained. “The last couple of months have really taken it out of me.”
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His decision underscores the importance of self-care and the lessons learned from previous experiences, notably his indefinite break from cricket in 2022, which saw him miss IPL 2022 for Gujarat Titans.
“It’s your decision,” Roy emphasized. “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.”
(Inputs from IANS)