Eoin Morgan determined to continue playing in IPL-4

England batsman, Eoin Morgan, is firm on his decision to continue playing in the fourth edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), despite the fact that he may lose his place in the national squad for the first Test against Sri Lanka, to be played on May 30, at Sophia Gardens.

"It was always in my schedule to play in the IPL and it's done far more for me than playing in the (English County) Championship", said Morgan.

The English batsman hit a splendid innings of 156 runs off 177 balls during England Lions competition with Sri Lanka on 19^th May, in his first-class innings of the summer. Media reports have revealed that the English selectors have decided to take up Ravi Bopara’s services in Cardiff.

"I knew that I was taking a risk in going to IPL, but for my personal development as a batsman, I know I have done the right thing", said Morgan.

Morgan added that he wanted to play Test cricket, but if he won’t be given the chance in the first game, he will continue to play IPL in the semi-finals, and hopefully the final as well.

In the current season, he is representing Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and has amassed 137 runs, while playing in nine innings, at an average of 117.09. Although, Morgan did not get the chance to bat in some of the matches in the beginning, he also remained unable to prove his skills in the matches he played.

The left-handed batsman only played useful innings against Kochi, where he scored 66 runs off 51 balls, including eight fours and two sixes.

In the year 2010, Morgan was bought by Royal Challengers Bangalore for $220,000, but he has not been playing regularly and was not given enough chances. In the ongoing season he was signed in for $350,000, by KKR for the next three IPL seasons.

Kolkata currently are placed in the third spot in the IPL standings with eight wins out of their 13 matches played so far.

Kolkata will play their next game against Mumbai Indians at Edens Garden on May 22.