'I am sad to be leaving IPL'

England batsman Ravi Bopara, who leaves to do the national duty after starring for Kings XI Punjab, has described his experience of playing in the Indian Premier League "as one of the best things" he has done in life.

"There was a little speech for me, I also said something back to them `This is one of the best things that I have ever done, playing the IPL, with you guys it has been amazing. Carry on the good work'," Bopara said recalling his farewell before joining England team to play against the West Indies at home.

On his sentiments to leave the IPL just when it was peaking, Bopara, said there were mixed emotions.

"I am obviously very delighted to be in the England squad. It's my opportunity to go and do something major for England. But I am also sad to be leaving IPL. It has been so much fun. I have gelled with the guys amazingly, it is an amazing tournament. I hope this carries on forever," he was quoted as saying by official IPL website.

Bopara, who traces his roots to Punjab, can speak well in his mother toungue and that made his job of mingling with the players a lot easier.

"It has made a huge difference, it made me get on with the guys straightaway. I am very warm to these bunch of guys. They are a fantastic bunch of guys, they are like a family," he said.

Bopara made 85 to give Yuvraj Singh-led team their first win in the tournament, said "Anyway I am very happy, I am happy that we have won three of our games out of five. The first two, who knows we could have won them too. The rain didn't help us. I am very happy with the way things went."