Rajasthan Royals all-rounder Ben Stokes has been ruled out of the 2021 Indian Premier League with a broken finger. This is a big blow for RR who are already without Jofra Archer.
Ben Stokes got out for a duck in Rajasthan Royals' opening match against Punjab Kings in Mumbai on Monday. Stokes, one of the leading all-rounders in world cricket, was expected to play a pivotal role for RR in the 14th edition of the IPL.
Ben Stokes had injured himself on the field when he ran in from long-on to put a forward dive to attempt to catch Chris Gayle. Stokes had his finger plastered after the fall but he batted despite the injury.
Ben Stokes first played in the IPL in 2017 and has since scored 2 hundreds in the tournament over the years. He was at his best in the opening season, scoring 317 runs and taking 12 wickets.
In 2020, Ben Stokes scored his 2nd IPL hundred after missing out on the first half of the IPL in the UAE because of personal reasons. This year, Stokes's absence could hurt RR more - they are alreadhy without tearaway fast bowler and Stokes's England teammate Jofra Archer.
Ben Stokes was in indifferent form during England's T20Is against India recently. However, a fine 99 helped England win the 2nd ODI and draw level in the series before India bounced back to win the decider.
Overall, Ben Stokes has 920 runs and 28 wickets from 43 matches in the Indian Premier League.