Hales: IPL stint is a ‘dream come true’

England

England T20 batsman Alex Hales is overjoyed at finally getting to go to the Indian Premier League, and is hoping to fulfill a long-held dream of playing a match there, having been picked up by the Mumbai Indians.

Hales was brought in for the latter part of the tournament to replace the injured Corey Anderson. Hales had gone unsold in two IPL auctions due to an inflated price, and was thrilled to get a go now, despite leaving Nottinghamshire during the T20 Blast.

Hales told the IPL website about the auction let-downs: "I was disappointed because T20 cricket is probably the game that I favour the most and suits me best.

"I didn't know what to expect from the auctions. I just went in with an open mind and I told myself that I wasn't going to get too down if I wasn't picked up in the auction. I would have obviously loved to be picked up but I wasn't leaning towards it anyway.

"I have been desperate to get into this competition now for a couple of years. For me to get a chance like this is a great honour. It is a great opportunity to come over here.

"It is such a massive tournament; it has been my aim and goal to get into this tournament. When I found out for sure that I would be a part of it on Friday, it was just elation for me at that moment.

"It was like a dream come true to come and play in this tournament."

Hales was like a kid in a candy store when describing his short time with the Mumbai squad and coaches since his arrival, saying: "The best thing about the IPL is being surrounded by quality players and experts.

"Getting a chance to share the dressing room with two of my heroes growing up – Sachin Tendulkar and Ricky Ponting – is great. These are guys you can pick the brains of so that you can develop your own game.

"I have been following the tournament closely back home. The run of form that Mumbai Indians have been since the last five games has been brilliant."

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