Given its size, it’s difficult to overlook the Indian Premier League’s value: Exclusive Interview with Ravi Bopara

Ravi Bopara represented England in 13 Tests, 120 ODIs, and 38 Twenty20 Internationals after beginning his international career at the age of 17. He participated in 24 Indian Premier League (IPL) games as well. Having played his final international match in May 2015, the seam-bowling all-rounder brought home numerous victories for England in his time playing cricket for the national team.

In ODIs, Ravi Bopara amassed 2,695 runs and claimed 40 wickets, whereas in Tests, he scored 575 runs and claimed just one wicket.

The Forest Gate native took 16 wickets and scored 711 runs in the Twenty20 Internationals. Even though it has been more than eight years since he returned to England, he is still very much in the game’s franchise leagues.

As of right now, he is playing for the Premium Indians in the American Premier League (APL) sequel. Ravi Bopara discussed his future aspirations, his sudden departure from Sussex, the caliber of the PSL and IPL, and much more in an exclusive conversation.

Take a peek:

After participating in the IPL, CPL, PSL, and the Hundred, you have now played in the APL. How have you found the APL thus far?

To say so is far too early. It is imperative that you inquire with me following the tournament. At the end, realizing that will be the most crucial thing. Since most competitions, I believe, always get off to a good start,. It’s what occurs between the halfway point and beyond. Many things need to be handled before then. We took the first game, so far, so the results are good for us.

Which league do you think you remember the best?

The Indian Premier League, of course. It’s been quite the one. The Pakistan Super League, or PSL, has also been quite popular. These are two leagues that are highly memorable. Those two, I would say. In my life, the Bangladesh Premier League, or BPL, has also been very important. I believe I have participated in the BPL for roughly seven seasons.

Regarding talent, which league is the most valuable?

The Indian Premier League is difficult to ignore. It goes without saying that they consistently produce top-tier cricket players because of the group of talented players that are there. In my opinion, England’s T20 Blast and the Hundred are also generating excellent cricket players. In white-ball cricket, England has proven to be formidable. For an extended period, they have been the finest squad in white-ball cricket. I am aware that they did not have a successful World Cup, but for five or six years, they dominated. Therefore, I believe the English leagues to be really strong as well.

At the age of 17, you began playing cricket internationally. How did you manage it at such a young age, both emotionally and mentally?

That early age prevents you from realizing what is going on. When I was 17, I believe I played against Pakistan. When you were growing up, you used to watch these people. At that same moment, Muhammad Sami and Shoaib Akhtar were both bowling. So, facing those guys and going in to bat was just enjoyable. As a cricket player, you’re just thrilled. However, responsibilities as a cricket player arise after ten years. Something that requires you to generate outcomes every single day. Bad runs are not something you can afford. Athletes live their lives constantly on the brink. One year from now, you might be flying and then nobody would want you. But it’s been wonderful.

When you reflect on your career, do you believe you accomplished everything you set out to do or do you have any regrets?

You will constantly look back on things and strive to accomplish them. Nobody will ever accomplish everything they set out to do, in my opinion. I want to reach a couple of these milestones. Though I can’t recall them right now, I’d like to reach 10,000 runs in List A. In T20s, I believe I’d like to reach 10,000 runs and 300 wickets as well. Oh no, 350. I must continue to play.

What do you believe went wrong with England during the 2023 ODI World Cup? Being one of the pre-tournament favorites puts them under a lot of pressure, right?

They didn’t, in my opinion, select the best team given the circumstances. They did not select a left-arm spinner for the Indian team. That seems like a really bad idea. Under those circumstances, you require a left-arm spinner. It was just not a bowling attack. Despite the low run total, I don’t believe that India’s bowling assault was particularly effective. Prior to the World Cup, I believe there was a significant deficiency in 50-over cricket as well. There were guys who weren’t even participating in 50-over cricket matches.

They had not played in any of the series leading up to the World Cup, and they were rested. That, I believe, was the issue. Small details like that added up. However, sometimes it seems like things don’t work out in the tournament. You are not guaranteed success, even if your squad is the best. That isn’t how things operate.

Could you please tell us what caused you to leave Sussex?

That, in my opinion, has more to do with Paul Farbrace. I had the impression that he had no intention of keeping me there when the year first started. I followed his advice and signed a new contract, promising him that I would sign up if I had a successful year. My year was excellent. He refused to offer me a contract, even though I was by far their best performer. I mean, I’ve seen that with Paul Farbrace previously. It didn’t surprise me because I’ve seen how he’s historically operated.