Gujarat Lions’ Jason Roy hints at leaving IPL mid-way

Looks like the Gujarat Lions is in for more trouble! After missing out on the services of West Indies all-rounder Dwayne Bravo for the remainder of the Indian Premier League (IPL), the Gujarat side is likely to miss its English recruit Jason Roy in the final leg.

Jason Roy has just played three matches for the Gujarat Lions this season.

Looks like the Gujarat Lions is in for more trouble! After missing out on the services of West Indies all-rounder Dwayne Bravo for the remainder of the Indian Premier League (IPL), the Gujarat side is likely to miss its English recruit Jason Roy in the final leg.

In an interview with British newspaper, The Mirror , Roy has confirmed that he might not return to India for the IPL after England’s international tie against Ireland. It is learnt that with the Champions Trophy round the corner, the England batsman is miffed at not getting enough opportunities for the Gujarat franchise.

And, for that he is already in talks with England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) cricket director Andrew Strauss. “I think it is probably a good idea to get my head round 50-over cricket as much as possible especially if I’m not really playing a huge amount out here in India, it is just a bit of a waste really,” he told the British newspaper.

England will be hosting Ireland for two ODIs (on May 5 and May 7), and for that Roy, Eoin Morgan and Sam Billings have been asked to fly back home and join the squad. However, the players have been given a choice of returning back to India for the final leg of the IPL after the series.

Unable to cement his place in the Gujarat ranks, Roy plans to play for his county side Surrey after the Ireland series. “I’m due to come back for the Ireland game and then after that I could have three games for Surrey before the South Africa series so that would be great preparation I think,” he was quoted as saying by the newspaper.

Roy, who has so far played only three games for the Lions, has also admitted that he doesn’t have much to do when it comes to selection. “I’m in good form, but there is not much I can do about selection,” said Roy, adding: “I’m training as hard as I can and I’m taking the positives out it by getting ready for the English season. I’m definitely making the most of it and doing things that will benefit me not just now but over the next couple of months with the Champions Trophy coming up.”

However, the Gujarat Lions officials were not available for any comment. With its campaign going haywire, and Bravo ruled out, it would be interesting to see what strategy the Suresh Raina-led team adopts in the next few weeks.